Ski-Doo WAKE Series - Manual (Page 16)

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
Hypothermia
Hypothermia, the loss of body heat
to the water, is a significant cause of
deaths in boating accidents. After an
individual has succumbed to hypother-
mia, he or she will lose consciousness
and then drown.
PFDs can increase survival time be-
cause of the insulation they provide.
Naturally, the warmer the water, the
less insulation one will require. When
operating in cold water (below 4.4°C
(40°F)) consideration should be given
to using a coat or jacket style PFD as
they cover more of the body than the
vest style PFDs.
Some points to remember about hy-
pothermia protection:
– While afloat in the water, do not at-
tempt to swim unless it is to reach
a nearby boat, fellow survivor, or
a floating object on which you can
lean or climb. Unnecessary swim-
ming increases the rate of body heat
loss. In cold water, drown-proof
methods that require putting your
head in the water are not recom-
mended. Keep your head out of the
water. This will greatly lessen heat
loss and increase your survival time.
– Keep a positive attitude about your
survival and rescue. This will im-
prove your chances of extending
your survival time until rescue. Your
will to live does make a difference!
– If there is more than one person
in the water, huddling is recom-
mended while waiting to be res-
cued. This action tends to reduce
the rate of heat loss and thus in-
crease the survival time.
– Always wear your PFD. It won't help
you fight off the effects of hypother-
mia if you don't have it on when you
go into the water.
Safe Boating Courses
Many countries recommend or require
a boating safety course. Check with
your local competent authorities.
Check local and federal boating laws
applicable to the waterways where
you intend to use your watercraft.
Learn the local rules of the road. Know
and understand the applicable naviga-
tion system (such as buoys and signs).
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SAFETY INFORMATION
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