In article ,
Short Wave Sportfishing wrote:

Most boaters don't have the equipment to pull off a simple rescue,
never mind one that is complicated. Something like a simple throw bag
or life ring are absent on most small boats. Throwable cushions are
fine, but I'll bet you any amount of money you would like to name that
nobody here on this group practices throwing one. Or how to throw
one. How many small boats have boat hooks? How many here actually
know how to properly throw a cushion or throw bag? How many know how
to properly approach a MOB for rescue - or the proper way to rescue an
unconscious, or floating face down MOB?

Strange - over here in Europe (in particular Switzerland, but similar
regulations in western Europe) you are required to have a throwable life
ring including a line and a boat hook.
To get the license both for sailing and motor boats you will have to
demonstrate how to approach an MOB and how to get him on board, even for
the license on the small lakes only.

THE tip for getting somebody on board again is a swim ladder - unless
your boat has a very low freeboard somewhere (less than 80cm/30 inches!)
Otherwise it gets very difficult, especially if someone is unconcious.

Marc

--
Switzerland/Europe
http://www.heusser.com
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