Nauticstar Deck Series, Owner'S Manual

Page: 44 / 86

DECK SERIES OWNER’S MANUAL
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| P a g e DECK SERIES
FLOAT PLAN
A “float plan” is a written record indicating the planned destination and approximate length of time for the outing. Sample
forms are available at the Coast Guard’s website. One should be completed and left with a relative or friend prior to each
trip. In case of an emergency or failure to return within a reasonable period of time, pertinent information will be available
to assist local marine police or the Coast Guard in determining whether a search should be performed. Be sure to notify the
float plan holder upon return.
STAYING AFLOAT
It is commonly believed that someone dressed in heavy clothing or waders will experience considerably more difficulty staying
afloat if they fall overboard. This is not true. Air trapped in clothing provides 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 exhaustion 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 rapid, uncontrolled breathing, cardiac arrest, and other physical body conditions,
which can lead to drowning. 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 possible.
• Assume the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP) position as taught within a Coast Guard-taught safety course.
Information about HELP is available online. Immersion in water speeds the loss of body heat and can lead to hypothermia, 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 resuscitated after extended periods. Start CPR
immediately and get the victim to a hospital as quickly as possible. 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.