In a power boat it is just as important to
have the life ring always at hand and ready for
instant use as in a sailing craft. And it must be
dropped between the man and the boat, as a
man naturally turns toward the boat as he
comes to the surface, no matter what sort of
packet he falls from. The great thing, how-
ever, is to keep cool and set about the work



200 YACHTSMAN'S HANDBOOK

of rescue methodically. If one has practiced
picking up a life ring, deck bucket, or some
similar object, the act of getting a man out of
the water will be comparatively easy. If no
practice has been had there is a good chance for
some one to become confused and do the wrong
thing, such as hitting the luckless man with the
life buoy in the effort to land it close to him,
putting the helm the wrong way, coming up
with too much headway on, or some similar
error. Whoever sees any one fall over the side
must give the alarm at once and not be afraid
to yell it out ; at times such as this seconds count.
The habit of being prepared for an accident
is a valuable one to acquire. When in charge
of a boat plan what you would do if certain
things should happen; then if an emergency
arises you will be prepared for it and will prob-
ably do the right thing almost without thinking.
