Surviving a Capsized Boat: What to Do and How to Stay Safe

Updated at 07-02-2023 · Education

Boat capsizing can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. It's important to be prepared and have a survival plan in place in case the worst does happen. In this article, we'll go over the essential steps to take when your boat capsizes and floats away, so you can stay safe and increase your chances of rescue.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first thing to do when your boat capsizes is to stay calm. Panicking will only make the situation worse. Take a deep breath and assess the situation. Look around and see if there are any other boats or people nearby who can help. Make a mental note of your location and try to remember any landmarks or other important details.

Get to Safety

If you are in the water, get to safety as soon as possible. Climb onto the overturned boat or try to reach any nearby flotation devices. If there is no other option, try to swim to shore or reach a safe location where you can be rescued.

Call for Help

The next step is to call for help. If you have a VHF radio, use it to call for help. If you don't have a VHF radio, try to use your cell phone or any other communication device you have. Make sure to give your location and any other important details to the person you are communicating with.

Stay Afloat

Staying afloat is essential when your boat capsizes. Try to cling onto the overturned boat or any other flotation device you can find. If there is nothing nearby, try to swim and stay afloat. Keep your head above water and try to conserve your energy.

Stay Warm

It's important to stay warm, especially if you are in cold water. Try to huddle together with any other people who are with you and try to create a makeshift shelter using any materials you have available, such as a life jacket or a piece of cloth. Try to keep your body moving to generate heat and avoid hypothermia.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is also essential, even if you are not thirsty. If you have any water or other beverages with you, drink them. If you don't have any, try to collect rainwater or catch water from the surface of the water using a piece of cloth.

Boat capsizing can be a terrifying experience, but being prepared and knowing what to do can greatly increase your chances of survival. Stay calm, assess the situation, get to safety, call for help, stay afloat, stay warm, and stay hydrated. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of being rescued and making it through the situation safely.