The accidental fall of people to the water is one of the main causes of death at sea; at the risk that it will pass unnoticed and, as a result, the necessary relief is not received, we must add that of suffering hypothermia due to prolonged permanence in the water (Photo Pedro Seoane)

Precautions to prevent a fall into water

* Move through the ship with the body tilted to the center of it.
* Prevent the movements of the ship by watching the sea.
* Always hold on to the solid parts of the ship.
* Use shoes with non-slip sole.
* Put on the life jacket and harness before going on deck.
* In any case, always use both elements in case of bad weather.
* To regularly check the candlesticks, the clamping ends and the anchorage points of the harness.
* Place safety nets around the ship if children are on board, or in any case be firmly tied.
* Avoid making physiological needs overboard, and if this is not possible, take appropriate precautions using a harness.
* Do not run on the deck.
* Do not bathe on the high seas without witnesses and without the existence of a scale to reboard.
* Do not sleep in the boat tub.
* If it is sailed alone or with the automatic pilot, it is highly recommended to leave a 50-metre safety line on the stern, provided with knots every five meters and topped by a well-visible floater.

Action in the face of a fall in water

* Shout - man in the water - and control the time that goes by.
* Meter the rudder to the same drop band of the shipwreck.
* Stop the turn of the propeller, if there is a risk that it will hit the shipwreck.
* Immediately launch a life ring.
* If possible, launch a smoke signal or a flare.
* Describe someone not to separate the view of the shipwreck permanently, pointing it with the arm.
* Note time and minute of fall, course and position.
* Throw floating objects into the sea to balize the stela, if we have not previously altered the course.
* Organize on board the rescue.
* Send a PAN / PAN message.
* If it is motorized, perform the man maneuver to the water most suitable to the characteristics of the boat.
* If sailed, turn to barlovento, get to the layer, get to drift, and / or approach the shipwreck with caution.
* You should never jump into the water in search of the shipwreck but is well tied to the ship by a long end and does not wear the life jacket.