by: News Canada
(NC)-Fresh breezes, sunshine and sparkling water - an ideal combination for summer pleasure boating. Don't let disaster darken your outing.
Canada's leading provider of first aid training and safety products, St. John Ambulance, says take precautions to avoid tragedy. Keep this boater checklist handy and refer to it before you leave shore every time.
Boating is nothing to fool with
Many people think operating a boat requires merely knowing how to run the motor and steer. That's far from the case. Should your boat capsize or if you fall overboard, don't panic. Never attempt to swim to shore unless you are positive you can easily make it.
Hang on to the boat and wait for help. If you are in the water for an extended period, be wary of the signs of hypothermia, which can be present even in warm water conditions. As the body cools it becomes susceptible to shivering, slurred speech, and drowsiness - all warning signs of hypothermia. The condition is severe when shivering stops. Unconsciousness and stopped breathing could follow. This is a dangerous, life-threatening condition that requires immediate first aid.
Here's what to do when a hypothermic casualty is in the water:
St. John has training programs and first aid products to give you what you need. Contact the St. John Ambulance branch nearest you or visit our website at www.sja.ca.