Abandoning to a life raft

Boating is generally safe however should the worse happen everyone on board should know what to do. If at sea you may be sufficiently far from rescue services that you may have to abandon your boat and board a life raft. Prior to this everyone should have put on suitable clothing and be wearing lifejackets. The coastguard should be alerted and your difficulties and position relayed to them. If other boats are near then flares may also be employed to pinpoint your position and indicate that you are in trouble. Once you are ready to launch your life raft make sure you have tied it securely to the boat. Throw the raft to the leeward side of the boat and tug at the rope to inflate the life raft. If possible board the raft from the boat keeping as dry as possible. The heaviest and strongest should board first and then help others to board. Once everyone is aboard, cut the line connecting to the boat and paddle away. Everyone should keep as warm and dry as possible and await rescue services.