Section 1 • Safety
If you are in an unfamiliar area without knowledge of the hazards, proceed very slowly and have someone watch for hazards.
!WARNING
Hitting an object in or under the water or boating in dangerous currents can cause serious injury or death to boat occupants.
You must know where the hazards are and avoid them.
In uncharted waters, boat very slowly and post a lookout.
!WARNING
Shut engine off if an object is struck or if you run aground.
Check for hull leaks and propulsion system damage, before restarting engine.
Use hand pump if bilge pumps don't remove water.
Boat very slowly, if you must proceed with a damaged propulsion system.
Let others know where you're going. A float plan describes your intended cruising course and itinerary, boat description, and your expected time and date of return. Give the float plan to a friend or relative, so they can give the information to a national boat agency, like the U.S. Coast Guard, in the event you fail to return.
14.Water Sports
!DANGER
Your boat's propeller can kill or injure persons in the water.
Always stay away from areas designated for swimming or diving. Unless you are towing a skier, stay away from water ski areas. Recognize markers used for such areas.
When engine is running, close and lock transom door and do not permit anyone to use boarding ladder and swim platform.
A.Swimming
•Do not permit anyone to swim from a moving boat, or a boat with an engine running.
•Many localities prohibit swimming from boats except in designated areas.
•Make sure boat's engine is turned off and the stern drive, if equipped, is fully down before allowing people to swim anywhere near your boat. Shut the engine OFF and remove the key from the ignition switch so that nobody will accidentally start the engine while swimmers are nearby.
•Turn off engine when taking swimmers or skiers aboard or when they are entering the water. Never permit use of the transom swim platform while engine is running.
•Slow down and look for swimmers or skiers when cruising in an area where there might be persons in the water.
B.Skiing
!WARNING
Skiers must wear an approved PFD.
•Anyone who water skis must know how to swim.
•Never drive the boat directly behind a water skier. At 22 knots (25 m.p.h.), it takes only 5 seconds to overtake a fallen skier who was 60 meters (200 feet) in front.
•Keep a downed skier in sight and on the operator's side of the boat when approaching the skier. Never back up to anyone in the water.
•Learn the signals to communicate with a skier. The skier is to control the boat through hand signals. (See Figure 1.10.1)
!WARNING
If the skier suddenly releases the tow rope, it can backlash into the cockpit. Spotters who are watching the skier must be made aware of this fact and be prepared to deflect the rope by hand to avoid injury.
250 Sportfish® | 1.9 |
