Walking around the boat - careful !

When you are above or below decks you need to be careful to avoid injuring yourself, all the more so if you are on a sailing boat. A few simple precautions can make you time on board a safe and fun experience.

Suggestions :

• wear sailing shoes to avoid stubbing your toes and to reduce slipping, especially if the decks are wet

• wear a hat so that if you hit your head on something it has some protection

• beware the boom (the pole that sticks out of the mast holding the bottom of the sail - if this suddenly swings over and you are standing up straight and it hits you in the head - you could be seriously injured or even knocked overboard

• always hold onto something secure when walking about or standing up

• if you have to move outside the cockpit area reduce your centre of gravity but walking in a crouched position

• if you have to move outside the cockpit area put on your life-jacket if you are not already wearing it

• if you have to move outside the cockpit and you don’t feel safe you should also use your harness to tether onto the clip points or jackline