CHAPTER 1 PREPARING YOURSELF FOR SAILING
E Cold and Heat Emergencies E Proper Gear E Hydration E Ditty Bag
With longer stretches of time spent out on the water, you need to consider what additional items will make your sailing experience safe and fun. Before you launch and set sail do not forget to prepare yourself for success on the water.
COLD AND HEAT EMERGENCIES Exposure to the elements can drain you of energy and sap your concentration. When that exposure is extreme, it can even threaten your health and well-being. Keep an eye out for odd behavior in yourself and others. Sluggishness, confusion, yawning and shivering are all symptoms of hypothermia. Hypothermia, the lowering of your core body temperature, can happen in the middle of summer as well as in the cooler months of the year. Make sure someone with symptoms of hypothermia is moved to a dry, warm environment and allowed to warm up.
TIP
ERemember when thinking about gear that water temperature is as much a concern as air temperature. In the spring, warm air can fool a sailor into dressing lightly. However, the cool water temperature will be a quick reminder to use layers to protect yourself!
Heat emergencies such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be life threatening. In both situations treatment is to cool the person down. Anyone suffering a heat emergency should be removed to a cooler environment; medical attention should be provided in severe cases.
PROPER GEAR
Most cold and heat emergencies are preventable with proper gear. Keeping dry despite windborne spray and water is highly advisable. Foul-weather gear, hats, boots or sailing shoes, and protective attire such as rash guards can help protect you from both heat and cold exposure. Layering and appropriate gear for the conditions is the correct course of action to prevent heat emergencies. If you are unsure what gear you should have, ask a sailing instructor or an experienced sailor in your area.
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