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 Family
Safety While At Anchor
by
Mark King
Anchoring is one of
the most pleasant boating experiences. A hot summer day, a cool
breeze on the water and a quiet anchorage combine to provide remarkable
moments with family and friends. In a previous issue, we discussed
anchoring techniques and safety issues involved in finding an anchorage
and securing your boat.
With the boat safely gripping the bottom, it's
time to think about family and friends who are on board and how
we can keep them safe and secure to ensure a pleasant time.
Before you set off to your destination, be sure
you have a well-equipped first aid-kit on board - especially if
you are planning to be on the water overnight or for several days.
There are many sources of information about kits and instruction
manuals for administering first aid.
Once at your location, the first thing you should
do is mark the location of your anchor. A trip line attached to
a float, at the depth of the anchor, will do the trick. This serves
two purposes. It allows you to see where your anchor is at all times
and creates a psychological barrier around your boat for other boaters
who cruise by.
Many anchorages are exposed in one or more directions
and are subject to boat traffic.While other boaters should slow
down and give you a wide berth, the reality is there is the odd
yahoo who will scream past your anchorage - oblivious to the fact
that there may be swimmers in the water. The sight of the float,
many metres in front, and perhaps behind the boat, reminds others
that you are anchored.
Make sure you have enough electrical power. Whether
you're anchored for the day or overnight, you should have an isolated
house battery that is dedicated to your needs at anchor. Even if
the battery dies, you'll have at least one fully charged battery
to start your engines. When you start the engines don't accidentally
switch to both, or all batteries, before the engine is warmed up.
The uncharged battery will immediately take power from the charged
battery, leaving you with two half-charged batteries that may not
be capable of starting the cold engines.
When anchored overnight you must display an anchor
light from sun-down to sun-up. Even if you're tucked away in a cove,
away from the main channel, other boats may still find you in the
night. It's not pleasant to wake up at 2 a.m. as another boat makes
contact with your hull. If you don't have enough battery power to
keep the anchor light on, don't stay out overnight. It's always
better to be safe on the water than sorry later on. (Top)
One of the biggest reasons for anchoring is also
a source of potential problems: the sun. The sun reflects off the
water's surface and will tan and burn skin almost twice as fast
as on shore. The heat can also produce heat-stroke and heat exhaustion
very quickly. Before heading off to an anchorage, bring a large
supply of sun block, sun screen, and plenty of fruit juices and
water.
Try to anchor near some shade or make sure there
are shady places available on the boat. It's also important to find
a way to move air through the vessel. Have towels or face-cloths
that can be moistened to keep non-swimmers cool.
One of the easiest ways to stay cool is to take
the plunge, literally. But before your family and friends begin
to leap into the water, survey the bottom in the area for underwater
hazards. How deep is the water? Are there any trees, stumps or rocks
waiting for diving swimmers? What about weeds? Many people panic
when swimming through weeds. It is unfortunate, but people have
used shallow areas as garbage dumps for years. Can you see any broken
bottles or jagged cans on the bottom? If possible, someone should
remain on the boat while anyone is swimming to keep a keen eye on
those who are in the water. This person can also watch for other
boats that may enter the anchorage.
In the event of danger or an emergency situation,
a hand-held air horn or a whistle can attract the attention of your
swimmers or even other skippers cruising by. If it is inconvenient
or impractical for one person to stay on board, make sure everyone
knows the fastest and easiest way to get back on board. Everyone
should also know where the emergency equipment is located. (Top)
Always swim using the buddy-system. Here are a few
tips:
• Scuba diving has become a popular pasttime and many boaters
like to anchor and dive. Ensure you have the correct flags to inform
other boaters that divers are using the boat and mark the location
of the divers as they move through the water.
• By law, boats must have a convenient reboarding device. This
can be anything from a ladder to a swim platform. Inexper-ienced
people may not have an easy time reboarding using unfamiliar equipment
and processes. Spend a fewminutes thinking how convenient the device
will be in an emergency and make sure everyone can use it.
• Tired swimmers should step cautiously. Many boating surfaces
that are polished to a high gloss, even non-skid decks, are slippery
when wet. Falls are the number one cause of boating injuries. Slippery
decks and companionway steps lie in wait. Here are a few other precautions
you can take to make your stay on the water safe and enjoyable:
• Children and non-swimmers must wear life jackets when they
are above decks. It's difficult to keep an eye on active kids, so
make sure there are safety lines or netting around open deck areas
and they will float if someone does slip. In a bad fall, or a heat-induced
faint, a person can already be unconscious when they hit the water.
Make sure their life jackets work properly and keep their head up
and out of the water.
• Always plan an easy route out of your anchorage. You never
know when you may have to leave the anchorage and it's important
to know how you are going to accomplish the task if you have to.
• In many jurisdictions in Canada you can drink alcohol while
anchored. Play it safe. Remember if you have to move the boat, you
cannot be impaired.
• When it's time to pull up and head back to shore, remember
to stow loose gear that has been pulled out of storage lockers.
• If you have been anchored for some time, your anchor will
be well set.
To free a stuck anchor, move the boat forward under
dead-slow power. As the anchor rode is pulled aboard, the boat will
gain enough forward motion. As your bow is about to run over the
anchor's location, take a quick turn on the bow cleat. Often, as
the anchor is pulled backwards, it breaks free. If it's stubborn,
let out some rode, put the boat into gear and try it again using
low power to pry the anchor out of the bottom. As soon as it is
free, put the boat in neutral until the anchor, rode and trip line
are safely back on board. Using the boat to break the anchor free
will save strain on your back.
With a safe return to the dock, your anchoring experience
will be another pleasant boating memory.
(Top)
Lifeline
is produced through the Safe Boater Training Program, a certification
program for recreational boaters.
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