Each year throughout NZ hundreds of school children get the opportunity to sail an Optimist Yacht. This is a fun but challenging activity for many. As with any activity there are a number of things that need to be considered to make this activity as safe as possible.
Before putting the boats on the water a safety check must be made. You need to ensure that the 3 buoyancy tank bungs are screwed in place so that if the boat capsizes it won’t sink. The mast clip must be secured with figure of 8 knots needing to be tied to the sprit rope, mainsheet rope and the kicker rope too. Don’t forget to also check that the rudder is clipped in place properly.
Boating conditions can sometimes be unpredictable and even the best sailors can sometimes get tipped into the water. It is an important safety rule that all people on the water have to wear a properly fitted life jacket, even parents. This will ensure that if you fall in you will float safely.
Sometimes you need to move around in the boat to balance to stop the wind tipping it over. Just remember to stay seated when moving. Standing up will only make the yacht unstable and this might cause it to capsize or for someone to get hit by the boom.
There are no brakes on a yacht but if you need to slow down or even stop simply steer the front (bow) of the boat so it is pointing into the wind, then let go of the mainsheet rope. This will de power the boat as no wind will be getting to the sail. Easy.
Pandora pond can be an extremely busy place with many other yachts, kayaks and even swimmers using it. With all this traffic around it is really important that you always watch where you are steering so you and others can stay safe. The boats are very sturdy and running into another boat or a swimmer can be very dangerous.
The pond entrance is affected greatly by incoming or outgoing tides with water often rushing in or out of the open mouth. This area also has a sand bar which you can get stuck on so make sure you don’t go out beyond the last buoy.
Sometimes the teachers need to get the sailors attention. If you hear one whistle it means stop and listen while 2 whistle blasts means come back to shore immediately. If you are in trouble on the water call, “Help,” out loud and wave your arm or arms above your head.
By following these simple safety rules your yachting experience will be a fun event. Look after your yachting buddies and happy sailing!!!
Walt to summarise information into our own words- Safety rules
1/ Highlight the main sentences which explain the safety rules.
2/ Underline the main keywords in the sentences you have highlighted.
3/ Use the key words to make short sentences.
4/ Present your information as a poster headed up , “Safety rules.”
I have made a poster on the rules using key words from the sentences:
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