Page 6
Sample book
Figure 6.2 Rough sea conditions
Lack of safety and first aid skills
Bystanders’ lack of knowledge of resuscitation and rescue
techniques often leads to needless death. Chapter 2 will show
you some of the simple steps that can keep a person alive when
they have stopped breathing or their heart has stopped.
Many people cannot swim or don’t know simple techniques to
survive in water. Would-be rescuers risk drowning because of
their poor swimming skills. People who use equipment such
as boats, jet skis or surf craft may lack the safety skills required
for their use. A simple lack of concentration while operating a
boat can lead to fatal accidents.
Other factors that cause accidents include failing to think ahead,
such as not checking water depth before diving, as shown in
Figure 6.3, which can lead to severe spinal injuries and/or
drowning.
Faulty equipment
All equipment is important at sea, from the smallest of ropes to
secure a torch, to the
life jackets
(personal flotation devices or
PFDs) that keep mariners afloat. Always maintain equipment
in good working order as your life may depend on it. That
worn securing strap on your life jacket may cause the device
to come off, leaving you with no flotation, or that too-sharp
fin on your surfboard may cut you or others and lead to severe
cuts and bleeding (Figure 6.5).
Alcohol
Alcohol and water just don’t mix. Alcohol slows reaction
time and the ability to think clearly which leads to accidents
which increase the chance of drowning. Remember, the 0.05
alcohol limit applies to boating activities as well as to driving
a motor vehicle.
Wet Paper
Wet Paper
Figure 6.3 Not checking for submerged
objects
Wet Paper
Figure 6.4 Lack of concentration while
operating a boat
Laurie Adams
Figure 6.5 Sand down sharp fin edges
before use.
Sand down new fins
Never dive without first
checking under the water
Don't let others distract you
Figure 6.1 Don't get sucked in- download
the video
Don’t get sucked into stormwater drains
Courtesy GCCC and Mike Halpin
Don't jump off rocks in
rough conditions
Never turn your back on
breaking waves
