ATX 22 Type-S, Owner'S Manual

Page: 33 / 100

BOATING SAFETY | 32
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WARNING
BURN HAZARD
Gasoline floating on water which is ignited can cause death or serious injury .
Gasoline will float on top of water and can burn . If the boat is abandoned,
swim upwind, far enough to avoid fuel that can spread over the surface of
the water .
Capsizing and Swamping
A boat may capsize or swamp when least expected . Formulate a plan in advance
on what to do if it should happen . Keep in mind the following guidelines:
•
Try to turn the engine OFF to prevent damage .
• If others were on board, try to locate them, make sure they are conscious
and that they can swim .
• Immersion in water speeds the loss of body heat and can lead to
hypothermia . This is the abnormal lowering of internal body temperature .
If a leak is discovered, immediately determine the cause . A collision with an
underwater object could cause the hull to develop a leak . A loose fitting hose
clamp on a piece of equipment could cause a leak . Try to repair the leak if
possible . If a leak is threatening the safety of you and your passengers, call or
signal for assistance .
Staying Afloat
• Remain calm . Do not thrash about or try to remove clothing or footwear .
This leads to exhaustion and increases the loss of air that may keep
you afloat .
•
Keep your lifejacket (PFD) on .
• Keep your knees bent .
•
Float on your back and paddle slowly to safety .
Collisions
If a collision occurs, immediately account for all passengers . Assess the hull
for damage and activate the bilge pumps to reduce any water intake . Try to
operate the boat to keep the damaged area above water . If necessary, call or
signal for assistance .
Grounding
In the event you run aground, assess the situation before proceeding . Imme-
diately stop any water from entering the boat . Inspect the rudder and rudder
control system, the hull, propeller and strut for damage . Maneuver the boat to
safe water only if the hull and all operating systems are in satisfactory operat-
ing condition . Otherwise, call or signal for assistance .
Water Rescue (Man Overboard)
Immediately react to a person who has fallen overboard . Keep the victim
constantly in your sight . Safely return to the victim as soon as possible . Throw the
person a life preserver . Turn off the engine and help the person into the boat if
someone is thrown or washed overboard . It may be possible to revive a drown-
ing victim who has been under water for some time and shows no sign of life .
Start CPR immediately and get the victim to a hospital as quickly as possible .
Reporting Accidents
Boat operators are required by law to file a Boating Accident report with
their state boating law enforcement agency or local authority when their
boat is involved in certain boating accidents . A boating accident must be
reported if there is a loss or probable loss of life, personal injury requiring
medical attention, damage exceeding $500, or there is a complete loss of the
boat . If any of these conditions arise, seek further assistance from local law
enforcement personnel .
Medical Emergency
Be prepared in the event of an emergency . Know how to use your first aid kit . Be
aware of any special medical conditions of your passengers .