Your Boat Capsizes and Floats Away: What Should You Do to Stay Safe?
US Coast Guard policies require one to remain on the capsized ship since it is 90 percent more visible to rescuers than swimmers and offers flotation protection against drowning and hypothermia. Wear PFDs as soon as not in use, count everyone and pets, huddle closely to keep warm and have everyone signal. Get on the hull, where possible, to reduce contact with water by 80 percent and slow the onset of hypothermia; small boats can roll themselves over by swimming under and forcing bow down.
Signal three whistle blasts every 5 minutes, hand held flares / orange smoke, mirror flashes during the day or use EPIRB/PLB global satellite distress. In cold water follow HEAT: huddle first, feet-first forced, airway up floating on back, attempt reboarding. Cold shock fades in a minute but hypothermia is experienced in 15-30 minutes upon cessation of shivering. PFDS must be legally available to all on board; 70 percent of all capsizes are caused by overloading. Hulls are easier to find than swimmers- remain composed, remain in sight.
