Last Updated on June 9, 2025
Falling overboard is a significant risk in boating, contributing to a third of all boating fatalities, according to the US Coast Guard. This article outlines crucial steps to prevent such incidents and provides a clear action plan for boaters if someone does fall overboard, emphasizing quick action, communication, and safe retrieval techniques to ensure the safety of everyone on board.
Preventing Overboard Incidents
Preventing someone from falling overboard is the first line of defense. Several measures can significantly reduce this risk:
- Stay Seated: Remain seated, especially when the boat is underway or in rough conditions.
- Use Handholds: Always utilize available handholds when moving around the boat.
- Mind Your Step: Be cautious on sloped decks and avoid stretching overboard for fishing or other activities.
- Avoid Impairment: Refrain from excessive alcohol consumption.
- Maintain Boat Stability: Ensure the boat is not overloaded and that passenger and gear loads are properly balanced.
- Clear Decks: Keep decks free of tripping hazards like lines or hoses, and ensure adequate non-slip surfaces.
- Wear a Lifejacket: Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD). Drowning is the leading cause of boating-related deaths, and most victims were not wearing lifejackets.
Immediate Actions When Someone Falls Overboard
If someone falls overboard, swift and coordinated action is critical:
- Toss a Marker: Immediately throw a loose, throwable marker (like a seat cushion) in the direction of the person in the water. This provides flotation and a visual marker, and should not be tethered to the boat.
- Alert the Crew: Shout "Man overboard!" loudly to alert everyone on board.
- Mark Coordinates: If equipped, the captain should mark the coordinates on GPS systems using the "MOB" function.
- Designate a Spotter: Assign a crewmember to maintain constant visual contact with the person, pointing and updating the captain on their location.
- Stay Aboard: Resist the urge to jump into the water to assist, as this puts another person at risk. Staying on board ensures someone is at the helm, can radio for help, and assist with retrieval.
Safe Retrieval Techniques
Retrieving a person from the water requires a careful and controlled approach:
- Approach Safely: Do not make a direct beeline. Instead, approach from downwind or down-current to prevent the boat from being pushed over the victim.
- Idle Speed Return: Circle back at idle speed, keeping the victim on the starboard side for continuous visual contact.
- Kill Engines: Once in a safe position to begin the rescue, turn off the engines to prevent entanglement with the propeller.
- Use Throwable PFDs: Boats 16 feet or longer are required to have a throwable PFD (ring buoy or cushion) with a line. Throw it as close as possible to the person, using a side-arm heave for precision.
- Instruct the Victim: Once the victim reaches the PFD, instruct them to lock their hands or wrists around it, and then pull them back to the boat.
- Unconscious Victim Protocol: If the victim is unconscious, a strong swimmer wearing a lifejacket and tethered to the boat may need to enter the water to assist.
Getting Back Aboard
Assisting a person back onto the boat can be challenging, especially if they are exhausted or injured:
- Maintain Low Center of Gravity: When assisting, keep a low center of gravity to avoid falling overboard yourself.
- Assisted Haul: For conscious victims, crewmembers can grab their wrists and haul them aboard. For exhausted or unconscious victims, two crewmembers can grab them under the armpits with their back to the boat.
- Increase Leverage: If difficult, use a life sling or fashion one from a rope to increase leverage.
- Assess and Seek Help: Once back aboard, immediately assess the person's condition and call for help if needed.
Key Takeaways
- Prevention is paramount: Always prioritize safety measures to avoid overboard incidents.
- Act quickly and communicate clearly: In an emergency, every second counts.
- Prioritize safety for all: Avoid putting more people at risk by jumping into the water unnecessarily.
- Practice makes perfect: Familiarize yourself with safety equipment and practice retrieval techniques.
- Digital Select Calling (DSC) VHF radio: Upgrade your radio to one with DSC for precise location transmission in emergencies.
- Engine Cut-Off Lanyard: Always use your engine cut-off lanyard when underway on open boats under 26 feet.
- Proper Lifejacket Fit: Ensure lifejackets fit correctly for comfort and effectiveness.
