If Your Pleasure Craft Sinks or Floats Away

If your pleasure craft sinks or floats away, don’t panic.

• If you are wearing a lifejacket or PFD, make sure that it is securely fastened, remain calm, and wait for help.
• Swimming to shore should be considered only as a last resort.
• If you aren’t wearing a lifejacket or PFD, look for one floating in the water or other floating items (coolers, oars or paddles, decoys, etc.) to help you stay afloat. Do your best to help your passengers find something to help them float and stay together.
• If you have nothing to support you, you may have to tread water or simply float. In cold water, float, rather than tread, to reduce hypothermia.