Thursday, 18 June 2026
Here are 5 critical safety factors to consider before letting people frolic in the water from the back of the boat.
1. Current
Most guests on yachts are not Olympic swimmers, so if the current exceeds 0.5 knots in any direction then call things off. Any stronger than this and you are getting close to the physical capabilities of the average swimmer. To measure current when at anchor, check the Speed Through Water reading at the helm.
2. Wind
If it's blowing more than 10 knots then call things off, especially if the wind and tide are opposing each other as this creates what's known as square chop (small, spiky, erratic waves that makes it difficult for swimmers to keep their heads above water without inhaling spray). To measure wind speed when at anchor, check the True Wind reading at the helm or use a handheld digital anemometer at water level.
3. Surge
A yacht at anchor is never stationary. It is constantly reacting to wind and current and will naturally yaw in a slow arc, the pivot point being the anchor itself. This is completely normal, but it can also surge forward and backward as the chain tensions and slacks, and this creates the risk of a swimmer being forced under the swim platform if they're close to it when a surge astern occurs (and the swimmer won't see it coming).
4. Pitch
An anchored yacht will also pitch up and down, pivoting around the centre of the hull, and this is far more dangerous for swimmers and yacht toy users. Even a moderate swell can cause the swim platform to slam down with signficant force, or lift right out of the water before dropping back down again. Remember that a seemingly minor pitch reading of just 3 or 4 degrees an the helm can translate to the swim platform dropping and lifting by a number of feet at the water line.
5. Swim Ladders
This is the hidden gotcha. Even if the pitch at the swim platform looks Ok, remember that if you're using a retractable swim ladder to get people back onto your vessel then it will be magnifying the effects of the pitch, and a swimmer in the water won't be able to see it properly when they're trying to locate the bottom step with their foot. An invisible metal ladder moving with force under the water is not something that most guests will want to take on.
So, if you're happy that the current is less than 0.5 knots and the wind is 10 knots or less, then simply stand on the swim platform for 90 seconds. You'll soon know if it feels right or not.
It's all common sense really, but it's always worth checking these 5 things before you make the go/no go decision.
Oh, and ALWAYS stand by a no go decision, regardless of how unpopular it is. Safety onboard must always be priority number one.
1. Current
Most guests on yachts are not Olympic swimmers, so if the current exceeds 0.5 knots in any direction then call things off. Any stronger than this and you are getting close to the physical capabilities of the average swimmer. To measure current when at anchor, check the Speed Through Water reading at the helm.
2. Wind
If it's blowing more than 10 knots then call things off, especially if the wind and tide are opposing each other as this creates what's known as square chop (small, spiky, erratic waves that makes it difficult for swimmers to keep their heads above water without inhaling spray). To measure wind speed when at anchor, check the True Wind reading at the helm or use a handheld digital anemometer at water level.
3. Surge
A yacht at anchor is never stationary. It is constantly reacting to wind and current and will naturally yaw in a slow arc, the pivot point being the anchor itself. This is completely normal, but it can also surge forward and backward as the chain tensions and slacks, and this creates the risk of a swimmer being forced under the swim platform if they're close to it when a surge astern occurs (and the swimmer won't see it coming).
4. Pitch
An anchored yacht will also pitch up and down, pivoting around the centre of the hull, and this is far more dangerous for swimmers and yacht toy users. Even a moderate swell can cause the swim platform to slam down with signficant force, or lift right out of the water before dropping back down again. Remember that a seemingly minor pitch reading of just 3 or 4 degrees an the helm can translate to the swim platform dropping and lifting by a number of feet at the water line.
5. Swim Ladders
This is the hidden gotcha. Even if the pitch at the swim platform looks Ok, remember that if you're using a retractable swim ladder to get people back onto your vessel then it will be magnifying the effects of the pitch, and a swimmer in the water won't be able to see it properly when they're trying to locate the bottom step with their foot. An invisible metal ladder moving with force under the water is not something that most guests will want to take on.
So, if you're happy that the current is less than 0.5 knots and the wind is 10 knots or less, then simply stand on the swim platform for 90 seconds. You'll soon know if it feels right or not.
It's all common sense really, but it's always worth checking these 5 things before you make the go/no go decision.
Oh, and ALWAYS stand by a no go decision, regardless of how unpopular it is. Safety onboard must always be priority number one.
