Getting into a small boat

Small boats or dinghies can be easily turned over if they are not kept well balanced.

Getting in from a jetty Get in carefully, stepping from the jetty or steps, hold the gunwale of the boat to keep it steady and step into the centre of the boat - never stand on the gunwale or on the thwarts of a small boat.

In the boat Sit down on the rowing thwart facing the stern. When moving around in a boat, keep your weight low and in the centre. Getting in from the water Approach from the stern of the boat and then climb in over the transom, as this will keep the boat steady.

Rescue from the water A person who has been in the water for a while and is cold, may find it difficult to get into a boat and may require assistance. It is often better to “tumble” them in, head over heels. If you can’t get them into the boat, let them hold on to the transom and row them to safety.

TIP

Never take a person in over the gunwale as a small boat is easy to capsize.