Boating accidents involving sportsmen are usually a result of what?
aa) Having many people on the boat
bb) Not using required sound signals
cc) Improperly or overloading the boat
dd) Not having the proper lights at night
ee) Boat engine fires
The answer is C. Improperly or overloading the boat. In this case, when a person overloads their vessel it means they have taken on more than what they can handle.
According to experts, 70% of passengers who died in boating accidents fell overboard as a result of their vessel being improperly loaded, or due to moving around the boat in an unsafe manner.
Boat safety is a serious matter, and we recommend you take all precautions to ensure your boat isn’t improperly loaded or that you’re not moving around unsafely. This article provides some valuable tips on how to avoid accidents when loading up your boat, so be sure to read it before heading out.
How to avoid boating accidents when loading it?
Loading a small boat is not as easy as it looks. It starts with the first step on board and ends when you’re sitting in your seat at the helm, ready to cast off.
Follow these simple tips for loading a boat safely and efficiently so that you can focus on what really matters:
1) Just remember that balance means everything when it comes to boating safety. The best way to avoid falling in the water? Stepping gently into the center of the boat without touching any gunnels or seats. Don’t try jumping on board. Avoid stepping on gunnels at all costs.
2) We all have a handful of gear that we need for our trip. The problem is, if you board the boat with your equipment in hand, it’s going to be difficult to move around onboard. It also means you won’t have one free hand to steady yourself or grab something as needed. Boarding with extra weight can cause instability, so leave any bulky items onshore, then reach out over the side of the pier and pull them aboard once safely on board.
3) Whether you are preparing to board a boat or simply moving around one, it is important that you hold on to something at all times. If the weather is rough, your stability will be affected and you will need to hold on. Always use handrails when walking around, and avoid standing or sitting near the edge of a boat. You never know when something might happen.
4) Make sure you distribute the weight evenly around your boat and don’t overload it. When loading gear, take care not to overload the stern. Once a boat picks up speed and is moving quickly through the water, it’s easy for that back end to drop lower in the water. This can result in swamping or sinking if too much weight has been loaded there. To avoid this issue altogether, load more towards the front part (bow).
5) Try to keep the center of gravity low in a small boat to ensure that it doesn’t tip over unexpectedly, which is why you should avoid piling too much weight on one side or standing up while boating.
6) You can avoid being “tripped” by taking a few minutes to stow your anchor and dock lines properly. It’s worth the time investment because you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your boat is secure and your lines will not get tangled.
7) When you want to have a great time on your boating excursion, remember that life jackets are essential for everyone aboard and should be worn before even leaving shore. And as you are loading, remember that boating safety is more than making sure your boating equipment is ready for you.
8) One of the most important considerations, when you’re loading your boat, is to make sure it doesn’t overload. As you can see from the information we’ve provided, it is important to know how much weight a boat’s capacity plate states. It is also crucial that every individual on board knows this as well for safety reasons. If your vessel does not have a plate or if you are unsure of its specifications, look at the image below to get an idea of how much weight it can handle.
Short tips for avoiding boating accidents involving sportsmen
- Stay safe by avoiding standing on a small boat.
- Whether you’re a beginner or experienced boater, always wear your PFD or life jacket.
- Evenly distribute weight to avoid tipping the boat.
- Place boating equipment near the bow of the boat.
- Boats have a maximum capacity rating, so be sure to stay below it.
- Don’t lean too far over the sides of your boat.
- Keep the center of gravity low.