Expect the Best, but Prepare for the worst:  (Man overboard!)

"The best seaman is the one who is prepared for any emergency, before the need arises to meet it" . . . Elbert S. Maloney, author, Piloting, Seamanship & Small Boat Handling.

Lifebuoys, must be;

• 24" (610mm) or 30" (762mm) in diameter.
  
• Approved by Transport Canada, look for the stamp.
  
• Horseshoe-type,  or smaller diameter are not approved.
  
• Shown below and at right are items that can be used to recover a person overboard.
  

It's important to develop a rescue procedure so that everyone onboard your pleasure craft becomes familiar with the use of safety equipment, tasks to be completed, and the manoeuvring (precise controlled movement) of the boat.

The operator and members of the crew should learn how to manoeuvre the boat in order to approach a victim.  (occasionally, it is the usual operator that accidentally falls overboard!)  When practicing man overboard drills, it is not necessary that a real person go into the water, any floating object about the size of a person's head will do.

To retrieve persons in the water you need to learn how to use buoyant heaving lines, a lifebuoy, and an adequate re-boarding device.  (a swim platform or boarding ladder is most helpful, but if not available, learn how to rig up a sling secured to the cleats that can be hung over the side or stern of the boat that provides a foothold, such as shown above).

Remember to always shut-down the engine before getting too close to the victim, (exhaust gases will add further distress and, sharp propeller blades may still spin slowly presenting a danger, even when the transmission is in neutral).

If the victim is a child, or is unconscious, someone should be preparing to enter the water as the boat is being brought about.  Remove any excess clothes and shoes, and wear a lifejacket.  A light safety line should be brought out to the victim in order to haul victim and rescuer back to the boat.  If the victim is not immediately rescued, use or exhibit signals to indicate distress and your need for assistance.

At the cry of "Man overboard!" immediate action must be taken, especially in rough seas, at night, or in cold water.  A buoyant device should be thrown right away as close to the victim as possible, (to help the victim stay afloat, and to mark the spot).  Have someone as his or her only task, keep constant watch on the person as the boat is brought about.  Get close enough that you can heave him or her a buoyant line, then haul him or her alongside.  On a small boat there is less chance of capsize if you bring the person in over the stern.  Remember to shut down the engine!