Safety
Sailing can be safe as well as fun if you follow a few simple guidelines on and around sailboat.
Wearing a PFD (life jacket) can save your life!
If you have happen to fall in San Francisco the average water temperature is around 54 degrees. Not having to expend energy to keep yourself afloat will increase your chances of avoiding hypothermia. You don't have to wear one to be legal but it's a very sensible choice for newcomers to sailing.
Whenever you go sailing, make sure to bring a clothes that can be layered to help keep you warm, dry and comfortable.
When going forward or moving about while a boat is underway, keep your weight low, walk on the windward side, and keep a hold of something secure like a grab rail or shroud. These things will reduce the risk of going over- board.
Be wary of going barefoot on a sailboat until you are used to where deck hardware and areas of good traction are.
Be sure to bring comfortable shoes with white soles.
Rigging is generally made of twisted stainless cable, and older rigging sometimes sprouts "meathooks". This occurs when a stainless strand breaks near a turnbuckle. These needle sharp protrusions can rip up a finger or palm quite nicely, so be on the look out.
If you are feeling seasick, go below and don't look at the water or watch the horizon and keep busy.
When docking or boarding, don't jump from the boat to the dock. When docking wait until the boat is close enough to the dock so that you can step off.
Most of the things involving safety are common sense. If you have any questions about safety, (or anything else about boating) ask a sailing instructor or an experienced sailing friend.
- Log in to post comments
