Storage Blog

What Do You Know About Propellers? BEWARE!

A man just walked into All Seasons Storage today and told me of another boating accident which occurred last week on the Colorado River in the Needles area.  He said that a man was swimming at night and was hit by a boat's propeller.  He died instantly.  It appears that the boat driver didn't even know that he had hit anything....he drove away.  The number of accidents on "The River" is astronomical.  So many of the accidents could be prevented if one just takes the time to become a little educated and uses some common sense (like don't swim at night!).  I thought I would do some research and found some interesting "info" on propellers.

Did you know:

• A typical three-blade propeller running at 3,200 rpm can inflict 160 impacts in one second?
• A typical recreational propeller can travel from head to toe on an average person in less than one tenth of a second?
• Most propeller accidents CAN be prevented!!!!

The Coast Guard has some great safety tips related to propellers.  Following these simple and easy suggestions may prevent a horrendous accident:

1. Before starting your boat, walk to the stern and look in the water to make certain there is no one near your propeller.
2. Never allow passengers to board or exit your boat from the water when the engines are on - or idling (for your propeller may continue to spin)
3. Educate your passengers about the location and danger of the propellers.
4. Call attention to and discuss any propeller warning labels around your boat.
5. Be especially alert when operating in congested areas and never enter swimming zones.
6. Take extra precautions near boats that are towing skiers or tubers.
7. Never permit passengers to ride on the bow, transom, seatbacks or other locations where they may fall overboard.
8. Children should be watched carefully while onboard.
9. If someone falls overboard, STOP!  Then slowly turn the boat around, and keep the person in sight as you approach.  Turn your engine off FIRST and then bring the person to safety.
10. Never reverse your boat to pick someone up out of the water.  Go around again.

I never knew that there are a variety of safety devices which are available to help prevent propeller strikes.  Some of these devices are:

• Wireless cut-off switches
• Propeller guards
• Ringed propellers
• Propulsion alternative
• Interlocks
• Sensors
• Anti-feedback steering

For a complete list of devices, go to http://uscgboating.org/search/default.aspx?keywords=list of propeller devices.  Review all options with a marine professional to determine which preventive measures are best for your boat.

The Coast Guard recommends the following things that you can do to prevent propeller accidents:

1. Wear an engine cut-off switch lanyard so that if the lanyard is removed from the switch, the engine will shut off.
2. Assign a passenger tokeep watch around the propeller area of the boat when people are in the water.
3. Consider purchasing propeller safety devices for your boat.

 Photos by Google Image - acememarine.com