Common sense can prevent most boating accidents

Press, 14 November 1977, Page 12

Common sense can prevent most boating accidents

One-third of all drownings in New Zealand are caused through boating accidents.

The “boatie’ ! most likely to become the next statistic is _ the inexperienced or ill-equipped one who carelessly neglects the rules of safe boating and, unwittingly or otherwise, throws common sense to the wind. The first thing to do before buying a boat is to decide what you want it to do, says Captain Paul Drake, the chairman of the Small Boat Safety Committee. “If you have little or no experience in boating, then you should get advice from someone who has and be guided by them in buying and equipping your boat,” he said. “Once you have specified your boat’s use, do not try it out in any other conditions.” Before attempting any trips on your own go out with experienced boaties and join a club to learn and increase your boating skills. Many clubs, technical colleges and other

teaching outlets run boating courses in several areas.

There are some universal rules in boating which, for your own safety, should always be observed.

Bad weather is always bad news to boaties. Always check on weather conditions before you leave and keep an eye on it all the time you are out. If the weather turns bad when you are already at sea act immediately and, either head home if it is within safe distance, or make for the nearest shelter. It is important to obtain marine forecasts as forecasts for land areas rarely apply to the sea. The New Zealand Meteorological Service provides an excellent marine service and, in addition to this broadcast, there are port meteorological officers available in Auckland and Wellington who will provide advice and information on request. Another important factor which greatly affects survival in cold water, but one over which unfortunately people cannot exert immediate control is the amount of body fat they carry. The effect of fat is great; a thin person may die in water at 25 deg C. while a fat person may survive almost indefinitely in water at 12 degrees. Treatment of hypothermia is largely simple and requires only basic commonsense. The most effective way is to give the patient a hot bath or shower as soon as possible. With a severely chilled person a hot bath or shower within five to ten

minutes of rescue can make the difference between life and death. If it is not practicable to give the patient a bath, then wet clothes should be removed and the patient should be dressed in dry clothing and wrapped in warm blankets. If the patient is conscious warm drinks will also help him recover.

However, if he is in a state of collapse food and drink may cause vomiting and choking. Direct contact with another person’s body can help to warm him.

If his breathing falters, give mouth to mouth resuscitation. During rewarming the patient’s blood pressure should be taken every few minutes. If it falls the patients head should be tilted down. Measures like rubbing the skin are best avoided because they transfer little heat to the patient and may even be harmful by increasing the blood flow to the skin and so increase the heat loss from the centre of the body. To summarise: Always carry warm clothing, no matter what the weather forecast is. If you have to abandon ship and get into the water put on warm clothing and a lifejacket. Once in the water minimise movement and try not to panic. These procedures should

ensure you will survive for at least 90 minutes even in 7 deg C. waters.