Final answer:
If your boat tips over or swamps, wear life jackets, stay with the boat, signal for help, and re-board or bail out water if possible. Always move slowly and carefully to avoid further capsizing.
Step-by-step explanation:
If your boat tips over or swamps, it is crucial to stay calm and take immediate action to ensure your safety and the safety of others. The first step is to make sure everyone is wearing their life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs). If you find yourself in the water, try to stay with the boat if possible, as it will be more visible to rescuers than a person in the water. Secondly, signal for help using any available means, such as flares, whistles, or waving your arms. If the boat is still afloat, try to re-board or climb onto the hull or remaining parts to keep yourself out of the water and conserve body heat.
In cases where the boat is swamped but remains stable, you may be able to bail out the water and wait for rescue. Moving slowly and carefully to avoid causing the boat to tip further or fully capsize is crucial.
- Remove all visible plants, animals, mud, and debris from your boat before entering the waters.
- Drain and rinse all live wells, bilge areas, and coolers.
- Rinse all fishing equipment, boats, trailers, and gear with a hard spray from a garden hose to prevent the spread of invasive species.