Agree with Ross
generally, althought I would make sure they understood that help is enroute for the simple reason that they may not be up to rational thinking at that time. Additionally, I would urge them to take appropriate steps to avoid hypothermia if they go in the water. Much of the navigable waters are "cold," for purposes of hypothermia (I think anything below 75F is cold) Appropriate steps mean keep clothing on, maybe add more. Long ago as a voluntee SAR diver for the local sheriff's office, I attended a seminar on cold water hypothermia where a simple demonstration exploded the myth of wet clothing pulling you down. Man got into the water with three longsleeved shirts, two pairs of pants and heavy boots. The boot toes stuck uo out of the water because of the air trapped in them. Similarly, the clothing trapped air in it and helped the man float, as well as helping to reduce cooling. Assuming conditions permitted (since the senario posits single-handing), I would try to make preparations to render aid on board - I would assume they will be, at best, wet, cold, tired and emotionally devastated. Finally, maintain communications as you go, both with the victim boat and the Coast Guard. The emotional lift of knowing help is coming, and being reminded of it as you wait, might be the difference between life and death. Helping both the ability to focus on necessary actions instead of panic, and the critical will to keep fighting. Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
