How to Handle a Water Emergency on a Boat

Boating offers a unique and enjoyable lifestyle, but it does come with big responsibilities in relation to safety. Being prepared for a water emergency is essential for any boat day or voyage. Whether you are navigating calm lakes or rough oceans, knowing how to respond in an emergency can make all the difference. America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons will guide you through the key steps to handle emergencies on the water, from preventing incidents to responding effectively and efficiently when they occur.

How Do You Respond to a Water Emergency?

Responding to a water emergency requires quick thinking and decisive actions. The first step is to assess the situation at hand calmly—determining the severity of the emergency. Whether it is a person overboard,  fire, or the boat taking on water, one must calmly identify the situation. Once you have an understanding of the situation, communicating it to your crew and passengers is crucial to ensure everyone is aware of the emergency. If it is possible, alert other nearby boats or the coast guard using your VHF radio or emergency flares for boats to request assistance. 

The next thing you should make sure of is that everyone is wearing a life jacket. This step is crucial especially if there is a risk of the boat capsizing or if someone has fallen overboard. Once these safety measures are in place, act as soon as possible and try to address the emergency. For example, if there is a fire onboard, attempt to extinguish it using a fire extinguisher, and if necessary, prepare to abandon the vessel using an emergency inflatable boat or any other safety equipment. 

What Are the Steps to Rescue a Person From the Water?

Rescuing a person from the water takes very careful evaluation to avoid making the situation worse. First, you must slow your boat down and approach the person in the water cautiously. It’s important that you throw a flotation device, such as a life ring, to the person in the water to help them stay afloat. Make sure that when you get close to the person that your engine is turned off to avoid any propeller injuries. Once you’re close enough to the person, try to use an emergency boat ladder to help the person climb on to the boat. If the person is unable to do so, due to an injury, you may need to pull them on board using a strong, secure grip, ideally getting help from more than one person. To prevent drowning, make sure to keep the person’s head above water at all times. After the person is safely on board, administer first aid if needed and monitor for any signs of shock or hypothermia.

What Should You Do If Your Boat Takes on Water? 

If your boat begins to take on any water, you must take immediate action to prevent it from sinking. The first step in doing so would be to identify the source of the leak. In some cases it may be a manageable issue, such as a loose fitting or a small hole that can be plugged. Use any materials that you have available such as towels or clothing, to slow the flow of water until you can properly address the leak. Activate your bilge pump to remove as much water as you can. If the leak is too severe and you cannot control it, we recommend abandoning the boat. Ensure that everyone onboard is wearing a life jacket and gather your boat emergency kit which should have flares for boats, a first–aid kit, and other essentials. If you have an emergency inflatable boat, deploy it as the last resort. It is critical that you stay calm and ensure everyone knows the evacuation plan. 

Which Practice Reduces the Risk of a Dangerous Boating Emergency?

One of the most effective practices to reduce the risk of a dangerous boating emergency or accident is to consider conducting regular safety checks before you leave the dock. Key steps can include:

• Inspecting your vessel for mechanical issues: Ensure that your engine, electrical systems, and other crucial components are functioning properly. 
• Good condition safety equipment: Check that life jackets, ,emergency boat ladders, emergency flares for boats, and other safety gear is readily accessible and fully operational in case of an emergency. Regularly inspect these items for wear, corrosion, or malfunction, and replace or repair as needed.
• Review safety procedures with your passengers: Before departure, conduct a safety briefing with all passengers, covering emergency procedures, the location of life jackets, fire extinguishers, visual distress signals, and the first-aid kit. This briefing ensures everyone is informed and ready in an emergency.
• Check the weather forecast: Avoid boating in conditions that are extreme and could increase your risk of an emergency. 
• Invest in proper training: Taking a boating safety course can provide the knowledge and skills needed to handle emergencies. This can reduce the likelihood of incidents that lead to serious disasters. 

What Type of Boating Emergency Causes the Most Fatalities?

According to boating safety statistics, drowning is the lead cause of fatalities in boating emergencies. This frequently occurs when individuals aren’t wearing life jackets, which makes it difficult for them to stay afloat, especially in situations when there is rough water or if they are injured. A boat capsizing or a person falling overboard are common situations that can lead to drowning. This highlights the importance of wearing a life jacket whenever you are out on the water. Ensuring that all your passengers are correctly equipped with USCG-approved life jackets, properly fitted and fastened, is a simple yet critical measure that saves lives. Make it a rule to wear life jackets at all times, especially when weather conditions worsen or during high-risk activities.

Stay Safe with America’s Boating Club

When handling a water emergency on a boat, it requires preparation, quick action, and calm decision-making. We recommend equipping your boat with the necessary safety gear, including an emergency boat kit, practicing regular safety checks, and ensuring that everyone on board understands the plan if an emergency were to arise. Remember that the best way to manage an emergency is to take preventative measures in the first place. 

To further your boating safety skills, enroll in our boating courses at America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons. Our curriculum provides training that equips you with the knowledge and confidence needed to handle any situation on the water. Don’t wait—enroll today and make safety your top priority!