yep...i agree w/Don...you also want to consider/practice
getting back on the boat, once you have fallen off. this is
sometimes a problem on sailboats, combined w/a 150-200
lb man trying to get back on board....

i would think of safety equipment in three main sections:
1) throwables
2) signals
3) communication eq

have a bit of each.....and mostly...a clear mind and the ability
to be calm...when things start going to ^%$#.....sorta like flying,
only
slower....imho...

richard
colorado
sel current private pilot & salior