Swim Platforms: A Matter of Safety

Any way you look at it, a sailboat with a swim platform is a safer
vessel by design. Generally viewed as a contrivance of luxury, these
platforms have serious merit for the safety conscious. Consider the
single handed sailor. Properly tethered to his boat, he may still fall
overboard. Have you ever tried to re-board a moving vessel from the
water? It can be difficult and may even be impossible. With a swim
platform a tired sailor will have the best chance to board the boat
again.
Even a crewed vessel can enjoy the same advantage. If a person falls
overboard a very fast retrieval can be made. Several recent MOB
fatalities might have been avoided with a platform. Still, the swim
platform must be used only when conditions permit. In swells the
falling stern can badly injure or even kill the victim before they can
be pulled onboard.
At anchor the platform also has it's benefits beyond the obvious as an
inured swimmer can also be handled with greater ease. Finally, the use
of dinghies, and transference of any cargo can be done with a greater
degree of safety. The only real liability of the swim platform is that
it offers a rescue option that may appear "too easy" and be employed
when it shouldn't. MOB drills with and without use of the platform are
suggested.
So the next time you look at that sexy swim platform and envision it's
elements of practical entertainment value, be sure to remember it's
added safety benefits as well.

Robert B
Beneteau First 35s5
NY