Axis Wake Research, Owner'S Manual

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Boating Safety 1-55
Grounding
In the event you run aground, assess the situation before proceeding. Your response to
grounding will depend on how hard the boat hits bottom and whether the boat remains
stranded, the extent of damage, and proximity to shore and help.
• If it is a simple touch, you may need only to inspect the hull.
• If you are aground, assess the situation before reacting. In some cases, throwing the
boat into reverse can cause more damage.
• Check for leaks and immediately stop any water from entering the boat.
• Inspect the hull, steering system and propulsion system for damage.
• Maneuver the boat to safe water only if the hull and all operating systems are in
satisfactory operating condition. Otherwise, call or signal for assistance.
Person Overboard
• Immediately react to a person who has fallen overboard by sounding an alarm.
• Keep the victim constantly in your sight.
• If another passenger is on board, assign them to look at and keep pointing at the
person in the water. They are to do nothing else but stay focused on the person in the
water and to point at them.
• Throw the person a life preserver even if they are wearing a PFD. It will serve as a
marker in the water and will provide additional flotation.
• Immediately slow or stop the boat and safely circle toward the victim as soon as
possible.
• Keep the victim on the helm side of the vessel so as to keep the victim constantly in
your sight.
• When almost alongside, shut off the engine.
• Assist the person into the boat.
Drowning
• Swim to rescue a drowning victim only as a last resort.
• Immediate resuscitation is critical! It may be possible to revive a drowning 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.
• Keep the victim warm.
• Use care in handling. Spinal injury may exist if the victim fell overboard.
• Call and signal for help.
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