Stay Calm, Right Your Boat: Capsize Recovery Tips

Capsizing is a dangerous situation that can be caused by excess weight, uneven weight distribution, bad weather, leaks, waves, or sharp turns. If your small open boat capsizes, it is important to remain calm and conserve energy. Check that all passengers are accounted for and have their life jackets correctly fastened. If possible, attempt to right the boat by shifting weight and applying leverage. If the boat cannot be righted, swim to it and stay close by or climb on top of the hull. Capsized boats often remain afloat, and staying with the boat will make it easier for rescuers to find you. Use communication devices like radios, cellphones, or beacons to call for help, and use flares or flags to signal your location.

Stay with the boat and signal for help

If your small open boat capsizes, it is advisable to stay with the boat and signal for help. A boat is more easily spotted than a person floating in the water, and staying with the boat will help you conserve energy. If your boat has drifted away or sunk, look for something to hold on to while you wait for help. If there is nothing to hold on to, float with your head out of the water, crossing your arms over your chest and pulling your knees up to help conserve energy and prolong the loss of body heat. Do not try to swim or tread water, as this will reduce your body temperature more quickly.

If you have an emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), use it to call for help. If not, wait until you are likely to be seen before sending up a flare. Someone will either come to your aid or send help when they see your distress signal, but it may take time. Do your best to stay calm while waiting. If you have a VHF radio, tune it to the emergency channel and make a distress call, providing your location and the nature of your emergency.

If you are in swift water, float on the upstream side of your boat. You could be crushed on the downstream side if you hit an obstruction. Do not attempt to stand or walk in fast-moving water, as your foot could get trapped between rocks and the current could pull you under. Float on your back with your feet and arms extended, pointing your feet downstream to act as a buffer against rocks. Don't fight the current; use it to backstroke your way to shore.

If you are in cold water, take precautions to avoid hypothermia. Wear light-coloured clothing to contrast with the background, making yourself more visible to rescuers.

Check for life jackets

If your small open boat capsizes, it is important to remain calm and check for life jackets. Here are some detailed instructions on what to do:

Immediately check that all passengers have their life jackets correctly fastened and secured. This is a crucial step as life jackets provide buoyancy and can save lives in an emergency. Ensure that everyone, including yourself, is wearing a properly fitted life jacket. Check the straps and fasteners to make sure they are secure and have not come loose during the capsizing. If anyone is missing a life jacket or theirs is damaged, distribute the extra life jackets that should be stored in a waterproof bag.

It is important to choose the right type of life jacket for the situation. Life jackets should be U.S. Coast Guard-approved and provide enough buoyancy to keep the wearer's head and mouth above water. Inflatable life jackets are a good option as they are comfortable and less bulky, but ensure they are properly inflated before use. Inherently buoyant life jackets, which are made from foam, are also a reliable choice as they will float even if they are damaged.

In addition to checking that life jackets are worn and secured, it is important to inspect their condition. Ensure that the life jackets are not damaged, torn, or compromised in any way that could affect their performance. Check the straps, buckles, and any reflective material to ensure they are intact and functional. If you find any damage, replace the life jackets with the spares that should be stored on board.

Life jackets with whistles and waterproof flashlights attached can also be beneficial. Whistles can be used to signal for help, while flashlights can improve visibility, especially during low-light conditions or at night. These additional features can increase the chances of quick rescue and improve overall safety.

Finally, if there are children or weaker swimmers in the group, ensure they are assisted in putting on and adjusting their life jackets. Check that the life jackets fit them properly and provide adequate buoyancy. It may be necessary to provide them with additional flotation devices or support to ensure their safety.

Remember, in any boating emergency, life jackets are crucial for safety. By taking the time to check and secure life jackets, you can help ensure the well-being of everyone involved and increase the chances of a successful rescue.

Look for passengers

If your small open boat capsizes, it is important to act quickly and efficiently. Here are some steps to take to ensure the safety of your passengers:

Keep everyone together: It is crucial to account for all passengers and ensure they are safe. People may get separated in the chaos of a capsized boat, so do your best to keep everyone together. A headcount will help you determine if anyone is missing and might be trapped under the boat.

Ensure life jackets are worn: Check that all passengers have their life jackets correctly fastened and secured. Life jackets provide buoyancy and can be lifesaving in an emergency. Make sure everyone is wearing them properly and that they are fitted correctly.

Help passengers stay afloat: Provide flotation devices to those who need assistance staying above water. Stringing multiple flotation devices together can create a small raft that can support multiple people. This will help passengers conserve energy and stay warm.

Communicate and signal for help: Use communication devices like VHF radios, cell phones, or personal locator beacons to call for help. If possible, have a designated "signaler" who sends regular distress signals or waves at passersby. If you have signal flares or a horn, use them when you think they are likely to be seen or heard.

Stay with the boat: Unless the boat is headed towards a hazard, it is generally safer to stay with the boat. A boat is easier to spot than individuals floating in the water. Stay on top of the capsized craft or swim to it if possible. If the boat has righted itself and is stable, you can climb onto the hull to stay dry and warm.

Follow safety procedures: If you have received safety training or are aware of specific procedures for capsized boats, such as those taught in basic sailing courses, implement those procedures. For example, if your capsized boat has a centerboard, you can get into the water and stand on the centerboard to provide lever action and prevent the boat from turning over completely.

Remember, in any emergency situation, staying calm and taking quick, efficient action is crucial for the safety of you and your passengers.

Assess the stability of the boat

If your small open boat capsizes but remains afloat, it is important to assess its stability before taking any further action. This evaluation is crucial to determine if it is safe to proceed with recovery efforts.

Firstly, check for any damage or visible leaks. If you notice significant structural damage or multiple hull breaches, attempting to salvage the boat may be unsafe. In such cases, your focus should shift to personal safety and calling for assistance. If there are no signs of severe damage, gently push down on one side of the boat to see if it rights itself. If it doesn't respond by slowly returning to an upright position, it may be best to abandon the attempt and seek additional help.

If your capsized boat appears stable and free from significant damage, your next step is to remove the accumulated water to restore buoyancy. Locate a bailer, bucket, or container, and start bailing out water from the lowest point of the boat, working your way up. Collaborate with passengers to expedite the process. Once the boat is relatively water-free, take steps to secure and stabilize it to reduce the risk of further capsizing.

To maintain the stability of the boat, distribute weight evenly within the vessel by asking passengers to stay low and in the centre. Secure all loose items and gear to prevent them from shifting and tipping the boat again. If your boat has a centreboard or keel, lock it in place. Additionally, consider deploying sea anchors to enhance stability, especially in rough waters.

Conserve energy

Conserving energy is crucial if your small open boat capsizes. Here are some detailed instructions to help you conserve energy and increase your chances of survival:

Stay calm and don't panic: It's natural to feel distressed when your boat capsizes, but it's important to keep a clear head. Take a few deep breaths, focus on your breathing, and assess your surroundings. Staying calm will help you make better decisions and avoid panicked reactions that could worsen the situation.

Stay with the boat: A boat, even if capsized, is more visible than a person floating in the water. Stay with the boat unless it's unsafe to do so. If you can, climb onto the hull or hang onto the capsized boat. This will help you stay out of the water, preserving body heat and conserving energy.

Float with proper technique: If you're in the water, float with your head out of the water. Cross your arms over your chest and pull your knees up to your chest. This position helps conserve energy and slows down the loss of body heat. Avoid swimming or treading water as they use a lot of energy and can accelerate the onset of hypothermia.

Use flotation devices: If you have access to life jackets, inflatable coolers, empty soda bottles, or any other flotation devices, use them to stay afloat. These devices will help you conserve energy by reducing the need to swim or tread water.

Avoid unnecessary movements: Unless you are in a fast-moving current, avoid trying to stand or walk in the water. Strong currents can pull you under if your foot gets trapped, and walking in water also expends a lot of energy. Instead, go with the flow of the current and use it to your advantage to backstroke your way to shore.

Protect yourself from the elements: If the water is cold, take precautions to prevent hypothermia. Stay out of the water as much as possible, and if you have access to a dry bag or extra clothing, use it to keep yourself dry and warm.

By following these instructions, you can conserve energy and increase your chances of survival while waiting for help or attempting to swim to shore. Remember, staying calm and preserving your energy are crucial in this situation.

Frequently asked questions