MasterCraft 200V, Owner'S Manual

Page: 21 / 146

Staying Afloat
It is commonly believed that someone dressed
in heavy clothing or waders will experience consid-
erably more difficulty staying afloat if they fall over -
board. This is not true. Air trapped in clothing pro-
vides flotation and bending the knees will trap air in
waders. To stay afloat:
• Remain calm. Do not thrash about or try to
remove clothing or footwear. This leads to ex-
haustion and increases the loss of air that may
keep you afloat.
• Keep your PFD on.
• Keep your knees bent.
• Float on your back and paddle slowly to safety.
Cold Water Survival
Sudden immersion in cold water can induce rap -
id, uncontrolled breathing, cardiac arrest and other
physical body conditions, which can lead to drown-
ing. Always wearing a PFD will help survival in rapid
immersion situations.
In other situations when entry into cold water is
necessary:
• Wear a PFD.
• Button all clothing.
• Cover your head if possible and enter the water
slowly.
• Keep your head out of the water if at all pos -
sible.
• Assume the Heat Escape Lessening Posture
(HELP) position as taught within a Coast Guard-
taught safety course.
Hypothermia
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 boat capsizes it will likely float
on or just below the surface.
To reduce the effects of hypothermia, get in or on the boat. Try to get as much of
your body out of the water as possible. If you can’t get in the boat, a PFD will enable you
to keep your head out of the water. This is very important because about 50 percent of
body heat loss is from the head.
It may be possible to revive a drowning victim who has been under water for some
time and shows no sign of life. Cases document instances where victims have been resus-
citated after extended periods. Start CPR immediately and get the victim to a hospital as
quickly as possible.
Immersion Suits
Immersion suits will delay the effects of hypothermia in cold water and are available
through many retailers who specialize in sales of marine products. The suits should be
stored and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Inflatable Life Rafts
An inflatable life raft can provide a survival platform for an extended period of
time. Be sure the life raft is large enough for everyone on board when the boat oper-
ates off-shore. It should have the appropriate emergency equipment pack and should
be professionally serviced periodically, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Coast Guard-approved life rafts must meet a number of stringent material and perfor -
mance standards.
MasterCraft 2012 Owners Manual • Safety Knowledge • Page 1-10