How to avoid an accident

[David of Essex]

How easy it is to have an accident. Our boat has been out of the water for anti fouling, we had the swim platform ladder down for access on our Merry Fisher 925 when Carol my wife started to descend wearing a pair of flip flops, 2 steps down and she crashes to the floor. Luckily after a trip to the A&E no broken bones, just bruising to her heel.
When in the water Carol always wears her deck shoes, just a brief laps of concentration and that’s how accidents can happen.
David

 

[beejay190]

I recall being advised not to use the swim platform ladder when the boat is out of the water . Something to do with putting extra pressure on the holding bolts ? Glad that your good lady is OK.

 

[LittleShip]

When in the water Carol always wears her deck shoes, just a brief laps of concentration and that’s how accidents can happen.
David

We all have them (lapse in concentration) good to hear no serious damage.

I never use a swim step (actually it's removed now) when out of the water I always use ladders as it's much easier to get on board with them.

As I said Good to hear no injury, we sometimes learn the hard way.

 

[rr_123]

Just to add a sombre footnote to this salutary thread, Ed - the next-door neighbout/friend of a good friend of mine, slipped on the ladder when his boat (home) was in dry dock, banged his head, and died leaving a heavily pregnant widow as well as an unfinished boat...

We all take care whilst aboard I'm sure, but boats can be just as dangerous, if not more so, when out of the water!

 

[David of Essex]

Hi Carol here Davids wife thank you for all comments much appreciated. still waiting for my
flowers and champagne after all l am not going to sue him.
Carol

 

[Ripster]

My wife did exactly the same thing - flipflops again and they collapsed and she went flying. Stupid error, never again. We too now use only ladders to access the boat on the hard. Thanksfully only bruises also - but could have been nasty.

 

[AndieMac]

The flip-flops/thongs (oz) are pretty dangerous on board for the reasons stated, but also very slippery when wet, and useless in soft sand.
They have been part of our beach culture for decades, but probably rate more highly as a fashion statement than useful footwear.
Never be tempted to make a dash across a busy road in the rain wearing rubber flip-flops.....