Safety at Sea

Water is an Alien Environment to Humans

While sea sailing is challenging and fulfilling it has the potential of being dangerous.

Sailing and boating is potentially hazardous if proper consideration and thought is not given to safe procedures. The following list is not by any means complete but is intended to highlight certain areas where a dangerous situation could arise.
The sea around the UK coast is usually cold and survival times in it therefore short, 'hypothermia' is more likely to kill than drowning. Hypothermia can also be a problem out of the water; it is rarely warm at sea even in our summers.
Gas, which is used for cooking, is explosive and as gas is heavier than air will build up in the 'bilges' and cabin sole (floor). A gas detector would give early warning. Know where the fir extinguishers are and how to use them.
Boats are intended to be 'water tight' and so are also airtight when closed up; carbon monoxide (the silent killer) produced from a cooker soon creates a poisonous environment. Don't heat the cabin with the cooker.
The trip ashore to the 'pub' in the dinghy has many dangers such as swamping if overloaded, always wear a lifejacket and if you are going to be out in the dark take a torch!
Get to know where all the safety gear such as flares, torch, lifejackets are stowed (kept).
Strangely severe weather though it can be frightening is not usually the cause of serious incidents. It is important to be attached to the boat with a strong lifeline especially when working on the foredeck. Keep one hand for the boat and one for your self.
Prepared food for easy eating is useful if bad weather is expected; cold food though not as satisfying is just as nourishing.

Safety Equipment would include:-