Your boat or launch is in trouble

⚡ Do this right now

Put on a life jacket immediately if you haven't already — do this before helping anyone else.
Stay with the boat/wreckage if it's still floating; it's easier to spot than a swimming person.

📞 Who to call

📋 Step by step

Alert nearby boats and the launch crew loudly — don't assume they've already noticed the problem.
If you must enter the water, keep calm, conserve energy, and float rather than swim hard against a current.
Help children and non-swimmers into life jackets first.
Once safe, note the launch/boat name and registration number — you'll need this for any report.
Report the incident to the nearest river police or coast guard post as soon as you reach land.

🚫 Do not

Don't remove your life jacket to help someone else — grab a floating object for them instead.
Don't swim toward shore against a strong current; swim parallel to it first.
Don't re-board an unstable or overloaded vessel.

🎒 What you'll need

Life jacket (check it's available before departure, always)
Boat/launch name and ticket, if you have it
A waterproofed phone or bag, if possible

📍 Need to share your location?

Generate a map link of exactly where you are, ready to send by SMS or WhatsApp.

✅ After it's over

File a report with river police or the relevant transport authority — this matters for both your own record and for flagging unsafe operators to others.

This page is general safety guidance, not a substitute for professional emergency services or medical advice. Always call official emergency numbers first.