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Regardless of whether you are boarding a boat, yacht, motorboat or pedalo, remember to follow the safety rules. It is worth knowing which lake you are sailing on, knowing the number of the water emergency service, and also being prepared for various unexpected situations. How to safely navigate the water reservoir?
Before you go out to the lake
Preparation for a cruise begins even before we are on a boat, motorboat or yacht. First, we should check the technical condition of the vehicle we are going to drive, as well as the required documents. Then we check the condition and amount of emergency measures.
- See also: How not to drown? We ask the WOPR lifeguard
If you can’t swim well, don’t be ashamed to put on a life jacket. It can save your life if you fall overboard or the boat capsize. Additionally, if the wind on the lake is above 3 on the Beaufort scale, everyone on the boat should wear life jackets.
Be careful on the boat
Safety on the water depends largely on the weather. When planning your trip, take into account changing weather conditions. When the weather gets worse, be sure to put on your life jacket and stay on board. In the event of a boat or motorboat capsizing, your chances of survival are better.
If you capsize and find yourself in the water, don’t panic. If there are other people on board than you, make sure they are all under the water. Remember that panic is the worst counselor. Try to calm down. If your mode of transportation is far from the shore, do not set sail from the shore. Try to contact the nearest ambulance service. If this is not possible, evaluate the distance from the shore, water and air temperature, time of day, and wind strength. These parameters determine whether it is safer to leave the overturned means of transport and go to the shore, or it is better to wait for help summoned by someone who noticed the accident.
Get powers
If you want to drive a high-powered motorboat or scooter, you must have a license – a marine helmsman’s license. Without them, you can only drive motor yachts (including water scooters) with a maximum engine power of 10 kW. A motorized helmsman’s patent can be obtained from the age of 14. Boating without permission is punishable by a fine of up to PLN 500.
Don’t drink alcohol and don’t charge
A boat, yacht, motorboat or jet ski cannot be driven if we are under the influence of alcohol. According to lifeguards, drunk users of these vehicles cause the most accidents in lakes. According to the statistics of the Polish police, in 2018 alcohol drowned 126 people, and in 2019 – 98. Last year, 471 people lost their lives as a result of drowning in Poland.
Accidents also happen due to improper estimation of one’s own abilities, carelessness or bravado. That is why it is so important to follow the safety rules.
Water emergency number 601 100 100 – write it down on your phone before you go to the lake.
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