Beware of Boat Propellers…The Hidden Danger
Attention: All Swimmers, Skiers, Tubers, Anglers, Wake Boarders, And Recreational Boaters
Understand the danger of a boat propeller, Did You Know?
A typical three-blade propeller running at 3,200 rpm can inflict 160 impacts in one second.
A typical recreational propeller can travel from head to toe on an average person in less than one tenth of a second.
An unfortunate but also lucky propeller strike survivor
Most propeller accidents CAN be prevented
What Can You Do?
Wear your engine cut-off switch lanyard and your life jacket at ALL times. If the lanyard is removed from the switch, the engine will shut off. A cut-off switch lanyard will stop propellers from rotating if the driver is thrown overboard or pulled away from the boat’s controls.
Assign a passenger to keep watch around the propeller area of your boat when people are in the water.
Consider purchasing propeller safety devices for your boat.
SAFETY TIPS
Before starting your boat, walk to the stern and look in the water to make certain there is no one near your propeller (people near propeller may not be visible from helm).
Never allow passengers to board or exit your boat from the water when engines are on or even idling (your propeller may continue to spin).
Educate passengers about the location and danger of the propellers.
Call attention to and discuss any propeller warning labels around your boat.
Be especially alert when operating in congested areas and never enter swimming zones.
Take extra precautions near boats that are towing skiers or tubers.
Never permit passengers to ride on the bow, gunwale, transom, seat-backs, or any other locations where they may fall overboard.
Children should be watched carefully while on-board at all times.
Establish clear rules for swim platform use, boarding ladders, and seating (if possible, passengers should remain seated at all times).
If someone should fall overboard, STOP! Then slowly turn the boat around, keeping the person in sight as you approach. Assign a passenger to continuously monitor the person in the water. Turn your engine off FIRST and then bring the person to safety.
Never reverse your boat to pick someone up out of the water. Always go around again
SAFETY DEVICES
A variety of safety devices are available to help prevent propeller strikes:
Wireless cut-off switches,Propeller guards, Ringed propellers, Propulsion alternatives, Interlocks, Sensors, Anti-feedback steering
Review all options with a marine professional to determine which preventive measures could be best for your boat (using your gray matter is still far away the best Safety Device though).
A Survivor's Account
“A series of events led to all three of us being thrown in the water. My husband yelled to warn me the boat was approaching from behind. The propeller slashed my arm, my back, my breast, and continued down to my buttocks and hip, chewing through bone. The next time I saw my husband he was floating dead in the water, his left leg missing from the knee down. Our guide had also been struck and killed. For them, the propeller caused death. For me it caused much more. Through great will, I am a functioning human being; but I’m still trying to adjust to a completely different life.”
Taking a Boating Safety Course is the best way to prepare for a safe and enjoyable time on the water. For more information, go to www.USCGboating.org. As a boat owner or operator, you are responsible for your safety and the safety of your passengers. That’s why the U.S. Coast Guard reminds you: “You’re in Command. Boat Responsibly!”
Posted by blog.houseboatodyssey1.com at 7/7/2010 2:09 PM 
Categories: Boating, Water Safety
Tags: props boat safety propellars
Categories: Boating, Water Safety
Tags: props boat safety propellars
Comments