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Thought I'd post this and see if there's any other information that may help someone if their in distress..
I recently did a Personal Survival Technique course (used by commercial fishermen/supply boats etc) and have some useful advice in the case of an emergency.
1) Stay on your boat as long as possible, even if it taking in water etc. Your boat is the best lifeboat and should only be left at the last instance.
2) When wearing a lifejacket make sure it is tightly fitted. A loosely fitted jacket can actually cause more trouble for you if you fall in the water. It can ride up and cause severe injury. It can also restrict movement and even breathing.
3) If you do fall in the water or have to enter it, do not try to swim anywhere for at least 3 minutes. It takes time for your body to adjust to the temperature of the water and any movements during this time will tire you out very quickly. It will increase your heart-rate considerably and your breathing will become very heavy if you don't take the time to adjust.
4) Preserve you body heat by tucking your arms and legs in tight to your body if you're in the water. Hypothermia can set in very quickly so try to keep the heat in.
5) Try not to wear jeans when you are out fishing. When jeans get wet, say if you enter the water, they weigh a significant amount. Better to wear light material clothes that do not retain as much water.
These are probably the most relevant points that I learnt and I would encourage all boat owners to do the course too, if they haven't already. The course only costs about £40, well worth it if a life is saved.
I recently did a Personal Survival Technique course (used by commercial fishermen/supply boats etc) and have some useful advice in the case of an emergency.
1) Stay on your boat as long as possible, even if it taking in water etc. Your boat is the best lifeboat and should only be left at the last instance.
2) When wearing a lifejacket make sure it is tightly fitted. A loosely fitted jacket can actually cause more trouble for you if you fall in the water. It can ride up and cause severe injury. It can also restrict movement and even breathing.
3) If you do fall in the water or have to enter it, do not try to swim anywhere for at least 3 minutes. It takes time for your body to adjust to the temperature of the water and any movements during this time will tire you out very quickly. It will increase your heart-rate considerably and your breathing will become very heavy if you don't take the time to adjust.
4) Preserve you body heat by tucking your arms and legs in tight to your body if you're in the water. Hypothermia can set in very quickly so try to keep the heat in.
5) Try not to wear jeans when you are out fishing. When jeans get wet, say if you enter the water, they weigh a significant amount. Better to wear light material clothes that do not retain as much water.
These are probably the most relevant points that I learnt and I would encourage all boat owners to do the course too, if they haven't already. The course only costs about £40, well worth it if a life is saved.