In article
,
Bob wrote:

Now why would a NON swimmer and "...terrified..." of the water want to
sail a boat?

Why not? There are many aboard ships who do not swim well. Being
terrified by the water is not the worst attitude.

At least judging by the people who get caught by avalanches over here,
or who die paragliding from the mountain tops, there are two groups at
risk: the ones who did not have sufficient training ("beginners") - and
"cracks", who have so much experience that they loose respect.

Pulling out at the right time is a very healthy attitude.

How far do you get in cold water?

After all, at least in colder waters, it does not help much. Going into
the water is always the very last resort, ask any member of the USCG I
guess. At least the German equivalent (http://www.dgzrs.de) strongly
advises against, because of the risks of cold water - and cold for that
purpose starts at below 25 degrees Celsius. Death by hypothermia is NOT
the only or the biggest risk, there is cardiac arrest by the shock of
entering the cold water, there is quick loss of muscle power even for
very healthy young men etc.

The loss of body heat means on the contrary that you should NOT swim
once you are in the water, provided you have a good rescue vest. And:
Have you ever tried to swim after a boat?

If you want to read more about it, see
http://www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/TP/.../chapter-1.htm
for a good summary (recommended reading!).

Also good advice from any rescue organization: If you see that you will
need help, by all means call early enough before darkness falls - it is
so much easier to find and rescue people with the help of daylight.

Plus: It is always easy if you are not actually involved.

Now before you start jumping on me: I do swim, but have no intention
whatsoever to do so when on sea or even with a bigger boat on a lake.

Now to the unlucky boat owner Joe, his wife and his brother: All the
best, I wish you luck rescueing the boat and getting on with what you
had in mind.

Marc

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