Essential Car Checks Before a Long Journey: Road Trip Ready

BY  Sibashree Feb 16, 2026

Split is a port city on the beautiful Adriatic Sea. It has delightful beaches in Croatia and a vibrant nightlife. However, it is the ancient heart of the city that attracts me the most.  It’s great that I reached Split in November and spent weeks getting to know the Dalmatian region and the city’s history.  The Mediterranean climate of Split is blissful, and that’s what makes it a year-round attraction. However, it is one of the best family vacation spots if you are planning something for the summer.  Also, if you are a history buff like me, you can plan an off-season trip and avoid the crowd.  As I chose November for my Split Croatia trip, I got the chance to soak up the never-ending stories.  Did you know that Split was the place where Emperor Diocletian retired from his throne? He was the only Roman emperor who voluntarily retired from his throne. Also, Split was the place where Julius Nepos, another Roman Emperor, was killed by his soldiers in 480 AD. Thus, Split saw the final nail in the coffin of the Western Roman Empire.  Nikola Tesla, the legendary inventor, studied in Split.  Split has been used as the backdrop of many Hollywood movies and TV series, including the magnanimous Game of Thrones. Split is the actual place where Daenerys kept her three dragons.  So, overall, Split has history, intrigue, natural abundance, and a happening nightlife. Here is more about the best things to do in Split Croatia, in 2026, and exploring the old and new Dalmatian regions.  How Many Days Are Enough To Explore Split?  If you only want to explore the city of Split, a budget of 2-4 days will be enough for you. However, Split opens your path to the vast Dalmatian coast area.  So, if you are planning to also explore the Dalmatian area, it will take at least 3-4 days more.  Then, spend a day or two getting to know about the local culture, food, and history. Overall, 6-7 days is a reasonable duration to spend in Split, Croatia.  Also, Split Croatia is just a ferry ride away from Dubrovnik. There are many exciting things to do in Dubrovnik.  Also, Dubrovnik is the Croatian gateway to the beautiful Kotor, Montenegro. If you want to explore all of it together, you will need at least 10-15 days. Having said that, let’s get into the discussion on the things to do in Split Croatia.  What Are The Best Things To Do In Split Croatia?  Do you want to get lost in the Old Town, or do you want to just eat, drink, and party? Split is the place that caters to all types of travelers.  However, if you want to try the best things do in Split Croatia as the locals do, here is your ultimate checklist.  1. Exploring The Dalmatian Coast And Even Beyond  Dubrovnik, Split, Sibenik, and Zadar. These are the four major cities that make the Dalmatian Coast what it is.  There are many smaller towns in between. However, these are the most populous and accessible. Split, again, has the highest population among them. Also, I used Split as the base for my journey on the Dalmatian Coast. The city airport has modern amenities, and it gets many connecting flights to other Dalmatian cities. So, this is the best way to enjoy a day, cherishing the Adriatic region. However, you can also choose Zagreb, the inland capital of Croatia, as your base, and then take a bus to Split and the Dalmatian coast.  2. Visiting Diocletian’s Palace  Diocletian, an enlightened Roman emperor, ruled from 284 to 305 AD. The seat of his voluntary retirement or abdication was his palace in Split.  Diocletian’s Palace is an intriguing combination of a military fortress, an imperial accommodation, a fortified town, and gardens.  You can still listen to the cry of the while marble palace for the retired emperor.  A DIY tour of the palace is free. However, you can also be a part of a small group tour and have an in-depth idea about the past of the palace and Split.  Also, if you want, you can plan a stay at the Diocletian’s Palace. However, there is always a large queue of tourists who want to stay here. So, book in advance.  Moreover, here are the most noteworthy spots I visited in the Diocletian’s Palace Complex.  • The Cybele Temple Or The Cathedral Treasury Split I came across the Cybele Temple or the Cathedral Treasury as I just entered the complex. This complex also functions as a museum.  Inside the museum, I saw some really intriguing Catholic relics and artifacts from the Roman era. So, the museum at the entrance sets the perfect mood for the things you can expect throughout the tour of the palace.  It is also the time when you will choose the tours you want to take. The amount you pay will depend on the number of tours you take.  • Saint Dominus Bell Tower Now, this part is a little difficult as I had to climb almost 200 steep steps to reach the top of the bell tower. The narrow passageways once again reminded me why I needed to take my fitness sessions more seriously.  Finally, after climbing upward through a tight space, the tower culminates in an “open-air metal staircase.”  The view from here is amazing.  • Saint Dominus Cathedral The Saint Dominus Cathedral is just below the cathedral. It is the second-oldest among the Catholic cathedrals that are still being used.  Furthermore, the Catholic iconography and the soaring dome inside really humbled me. The building may not be massive, but it has an impressive architecture.  • The Temple Of Jupiter I love Greco-Roman architecture and always look for historical things to do whenever I visit a new destination. So, I had to stop by the Temple of Jupiter.  Dedicated to the Greek God, Jupiter, the temple also tells the tales of human resilience. It was destroyed three times and then reconstructed.  The final version was built during 81-96, in the time of Emperor Domitian.  Furthermore, the granite sphinx outside the temple is headless and this is a 3000-year-old statue, which was beheaded in the 4th century by the enraged local Christians. After the temple visit, I took the Pusti Me Da Prodjem or the Let Me Pass alley. 3. Exploring The Old Town  The Diocletian’s Palace is in a fortified town. The alleys here still exude the old-world charm.  The only modern elements are the internet cafes, stray cats, and ice cream shops here. I especially loved walking the alleyways at night with the moonlight bathing the streets.  The activity was simple, but the sense of adventure and romance I had was matchless. It was the perfect TheLowDownUnder Travel vibe.  4. Walking The Riva The harbor and the Riva are just outside the Old Town and temple walls. This section is very wakable, and it is the place to explore the shops, local restaurants, and cafes.  You can call it the living room of the city, and it is the most prominent place in Split. Moreover, you can have all types of seafood and cuisine at the restaurants here.  I loved the English-only menus and authentic Croatian cuisine here. You can also try the seafood, fresh burgers, and pizzas.  Moreover, I loved watching people here and how they got involved in animated conversations after a dose of cigarettes, booze, or just good food.  Overall, with music playing in the background, Riva is all about camaraderie, great energy, and sharing vibes.  5. Eating, Drinking, And Partying In Split  Do you love authentic Croatian food? Try the top-rated restaurants in Split, such as Duje, DeListes or Konoba Matejusta.  Furthermore, I loved the cuttlefish risotto at DeListes and black truffle carbonara. The best thing about these restaurants is that the menus change regularly because the dishes are made using fresh and locally-sourced ingredients only.  Also, they always do not accept reservations, and you may have to pay only in cash.  Moreover, I came across many excellent bars in the Old Town. O’Hara’s Irish Pub was a discovery there, and a local lady advised me to pay a visit to Trogir.  Also, Marvlvs Libray Jazz Bar, Charlie’s Bar, and Crew Bar are some of the places to enjoy the party vibe of Croatia.  6. Visiting A Museum With such a rich culture, Split has no dearth of options when it comes to museums. I visited the following museums here.  • Mestrovic Gallery This museum celebrates Mestrovic, the famous Croatian artist and sculptor. It is a place to learn about his life and work.  • Split Ethnographic Museum It is a wonderful display of the Croatian home objects and clothing.  • Game Of Thrones Museum  This museum has the most authentic costumes and props used in the iconic TV series. Also, some parts of the TV series were shot here. 7. Getting Aerobic At Marjan Park The Marjan Park, with its network of forested trails, extends into the ocean. It was an experience to climb the Telegrin Peak, the highest point of the park.  From the peak, I loved the views in the surroundings. If you don’t want to walk, you can also take a bike to reach the peak.  In fact, you walk for four hours and still do not see every corner of the park. So, getting the rental immediately after reaching the park is the best thing you can do.  Moreover, I don’t want you to repeat the mistake I made. So, you must bring your swimsuit here as you will find the Kasjuni Beach, Plaza Jezinak, and Kupaliste Bene here. 8. A Day Trip In The Dalmatia Historic Region Split is more alluring for the quintessential Croatian experience because of its accessibility and central location.  Furthermore, you can start exploring the historic region of Dalmatia from Split. So, take a short bus ride and explore the following regions.  • Trogir I took the Flix bus and reached Trogir to soak in its medieval vibe. Time stands still here, and it feels like a journey to the fairyland.  • Kills Fortress Visiting the Kills Fortress feels nothing short of an investigation project. In Game of Thrones, it was the Meeren.  The views from the fortress are breathtaking.  • Solin And Salona  You can experience Solin, which is a modern city, and it surrounds Salona. Salona is the place where Emperor Diocletian was born.  Furthermore, it is an ancient Roman City, probably even older than Pompeii. It has a large cemetery, a large bathhouse, and a massive amphitheater.  Other places you can visit during the day trip are the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Krka National Park, or the Blue Cave. Even Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be a part of your Split Croatia itinerary.  9. Hopping A Ferry Croatia has more than a thousand islands. Some of them are unpopulated. However, you can explore the other islands by ferry.  I used the ferryhopper.com app to plan my ferry route and schedule the ride. I took a ticket for a visit to Hvar.  You can even take a ferry ride to Mediterranean islands such as Korkula and Vis.  However, when planning a ferry ride, you have to check the weather conditions first. Adriatic is unpredictable.  10. Making Good Memories In Split Croatia Split Croatia harbors most of the historical wonders and flows here. So, I listened to endless stories and learned many lessons here.  Furthermore, the Mediterranean climate here is very seductive, and in every nook of Split, there is a sense of discovery.  People are warm, the beaches are gorgeous, and the food is great.  So, plan a visit to this city of Roman history and culture soon! 

BY  Sibashree Nov 20, 2025

We were lying in the Medlands Beach with the Milky Way arching overhead. No city lights! Only the sound of the waves kept us connected to this physical world. For me, it was not just the sky full of stars and constellations. These stars were the roadmap for our ancestors, irrespective of the culture and country we belong to. They watched the stars to keep time and decide the time of the year ideal for agriculture, harvesting, fishing, and hunting. In the Maori culture, Tohunga kōkōrangi, or specialist priests, had this deep astronomical knowledge, and they shared the knowledge with others. Also, there are myths and ancient stories about the stars, like the one with the Matariki cluster. This cluster is associated with the anger of Tāwhirimātea, the God of wine and storms. Being furious, he tore his eyes and threw them into heaven. There, his eyes became the Matariki stars. Overall, for the Maori tribes, the stars and constellations have been beyond celestial bodies for observation. They were a mix of spirituality, science, stories, and a way of living life. So, when the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, became a Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2017, it celebrated ancestral connections and the role of the sky as a roadmap. And I visited Great Barrier Island in 2022. So, nature had its own reboot during and post the COVID-19 era. So, we could see the clearest sky. In this Great Barrier Island stargazing guide, I will talk about the best stargazing spots, stargazing tips, conservation etiquette, and more. Let’s explore the magic of the Aotea Dark Sky Sanctuary. A Deep Dive Into Māori Astronomy (Tātai Aroraki) And Legends: A Combination Of Science, Spirituality, And Culture When on the Great Barrier Island, it is important to see the stars and celestial bodies through a Maori lens. Also, during our Maori-guided stargazing tour, our guide chanted waiata, and he even used carvings (whakairo) and told stories to make the experience more interactive. He made us familiar with the key celestial figures and their Maori names. Furthermore, he explained how Maori people perceive different celestial phenomena. Major Celestial Figures And Their Significance In Maori Tradition  It is fascinating to see how Maori people connect the stars and celestial bodies with their traditional beliefs and stories.  1. Te Kahui O Kahu  The Te Kahui O Kahu constellation is the guardian of the sea and land. The stories of this constellation are important for teaching us the importance of being respectful to nature and protecting natural resources. 2. Matariki Or Pleiades Star Cluster  Matarikin is the most celebrated Māori constellation. When Matariki gets visible in the sky at dawn, it announces the arrival of the Māori New Year. It is time to gather, share stories, and plan for the year ahead for this local tribe. Also, according to traditional beliefs, the brighter the Matariki constellation shines, the better the year for harvesting and fishing.  3. Tautoru Or Orion Constellation  Tautoru symbolizes protection and power. It was significant for hunters and warriors. 4. Ngā Rā  The Milky Way or Ngā Rā is believed to be the pathway of ancestors in the Maori tradition. The ancestors use this pathway to travel between the worlds. Furthermore, in many interpretations, this is the pathway through which the spirits guide the departed souls to the afterlife. 5. Tāwhirimātea Or The Southern Cross  Tāwhirimātea is worshipped as the protector of the sea. In ancient times, the Maori sailors depended on this constellation to guide them across the Pacific Ocean. 6. Auroras Maori people worship auroras as the spirit of their loved ones or ancestors. They even think that auroras bear significant messages from the spiritual realm.  7. Bright Planets (Venus And Jupiter)  The appearance of these bright planets was associated with the everyday life of Maori people. The appearance of these planets is predictable, and that is why they are associated with timing ceremonies and navigation. Why Great Barrier Island Is A Stargazer’s Paradise?  With exciting hiking trails, pristine beaches, and an eco-conscious and off-grid lifestyle, the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, is an ideal stargazing destination. With no ATMs, footpaths, or banks, the island has maintained a quiet existence. Furthermore, with low air and light pollution, the stars, the Milky Way, and other celestial bodies shine bright in the sky once the Sun goes down. In addition, around 60% of the island is protected by the Department of Conservation (DoC). So, it is home to many endemic plants, animals, and birds. So, it is also a bucket-list destination for nature and wildlife lovers. Moreover, each islander thinks of themselves as a kaitiaki or caretaker. Thus, it has successfully emerged as a zero-waste island, and biosecurity measures with designated spots for camping, hiking, and cleaning have made this island a sanctorium of sustainable practices and natural preservation. What Makes Aotea A Dark Sky Sanctuary?  The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) has scientifically measured the darkness of the sky of the Great Barrier Island. The IDA further offers principles to protect the night sky through awareness and restricted lighting. "To be a Dark Sky Sanctuary, you need an mpsas [magnitude per square arc second] of 21.5, and we had an average of 21.79. Every step on that scale is twice as dark; Auckland is 18, so you can see 10 times more stars here than you can in Auckland.”  Hilde Hoven, from Good Heavens Dark Sky Experiences.  Furthermore, the darkness of the night sky of the Great Barrier Island is measured every year, and the report is sent to the International Dark Sky Association. In addition, the local people choose low-intensity lighting indoors and outdoors to adhere to the light pollution standards of the dark sky sanctuary. In addition, there are no street lights, and the entire island practices off-the-grid living to preserve it as a Dark Sky Sanctuary.  What Are The Best Stargazing Spots On Great Barrier Island, New Zealand?  The Great Barrier Island is one of the best stargazing spots in NZ. I had the most beautiful stargazing experience at Medlands Beach. However, Awana Beach and the Mount Hobson Summit are two other prominent locations for stargazing. 1. Medlands Beach  I was fortunate enough to be a part of the Good Heavens group stargazing experience on the sand dunes above Medlands Beach. We all had access to an 8-inch telescope to get up close and personal with the stars and planets. Furthermore, each of us had binoculars, and our guide used a laser light to point at the stars and planets and share their stories with us. Far from urban areas, Medlands Beach offers the best views of the night sky, and the gentle waves reflect the stars and planets. Here is a dark Sky photography guide for you if you are at Medlands Beach. You can use the contrast between the dunes and the vast sky to create a perfect composition for your picture. 2. Awana Beach  Awana Beach, one of the best beaches in Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, is a natural planetarium. The shoreline here is secluded, making it even more suitable for stargazing. Offering a clear view of the southern sky, Awana Beach is the best place to see the Milky Way on the Great Barrier Island. Furthermore, Awana Beach is the meeting ground of amateurs and professional astronomers. The beach gets more visitors during the following celestial and planetary activities. Planetary Alignments  Occasional Auroras  Lunar Eclipses  In addition, the tranquility of the place is ideal for experiencing stargazing as something beyond a visual spectacle. 3. Mount Hobson Summit  A hike to the Mount Hobson Summit ensures a brilliant stargazing experience. The summit is at a height of 627 meters, and thanks to the height, it is free of the atmospheric interference at the sea level or lower altitudes. Also, once you reach the summit after a walk of 2-3 hours, you will get a 360-degree view of the night sky and the Great Barrier Island. Furthermore, the height allows you to observe the Orion Nebula and other deep-sky objects with binoculars. 4. Kaitoke Hot Springs Kaitoke Hot Springs fuses relaxation with a fascinating stargazing experience. Imagine you are soaking in warm sulfur water pools, and the stars are shining the brightest over your head. It is a multisensory experience, with the crisp air caressing you, the warm water offering comfort, and the night sky presenting the ultimate cosmic display. Just a small tip. You must bring a waterproof laser light to see the stars without ruining the clarity or the darkness measure. 5. Windy Canyon  Windy Canyon already has that drama on the verge of being surreal, thanks to its unique geological formation. So, stargazing here feels magical, with the canyon itself functioning as a natural observatory. The clarity of the sky is so high here that even the faintest celestial bodies become visible. In addition, the Windy Canyon is accessible for all types of visitors as the walk is short and easy. What Are The Top Stargazing Tours & Experiences?  The Good Heavens stargazing tours and experiences are the best on the Great Barrier Island. It offers the following stargazing tours on the Great Barrier Island. 1. Heavens Above - Private Dark Sky Experience  This private dark sky experience is organized at your accommodation with a telescope, hot chocolate, and bean bags arranged by Good Heavens. They can also take you to the nearby beach. The charge is $1560 for a group of 2 to 12 people, and beyond that, the price will be on request. 2. Moon Walk - Group Star Gazing Experience  Moon Walks happen for a week every month. During this time, the Moon looks the biggest in the sky, and the Milky Way is less visible. The tour charge is $130 for adults and $65 for children below 13 years. 3. Look Up And Get Lost - Group Dark Sky Experience  This is a deep sky experience, and the tour continues for 1.5 hours. The charge for this tour is $130 for adults and $65 for children under 13. How To Enjoy Dark Sky Sanctuary On Great Barrier Island Without A Tour?  Are you on an independent stargazing tour on the Great Barrier Island? Consider the following Aotea stargazing tips. 1. Checking Weather Conditions  Clear Moonless nights are the best for a stargazing experience on the Great Barrier Island. However, if you want to go for a Moonwalk, expect lesser visibility of the Milky Way and the stars. 2. Finding A Dark Sky Spot  The beaches of the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, are ideal for the ultimate stargazing experience. Know the dark sky spots and drive away from urban life to see the best cosmic display. 3. Bringing The Right Gear  On guided stargazing tours, the tour operators provide binoculars, telescopes, and red laser lights. If you are on a DIY tour, you will have to carry these essentials. 4. Using Stargazing Apps And Tools  You must use stargazing tools and apps for the best stargazing experience. The best is the free NASA app, and Astrospheric is another app known for brilliant forecasting. Furthermore, you can bring a star chart to locate and identify the stars and constellations. Astrophotography Tips For Beginners  The Medlands Beach and Awana Beach are two of the best beaches for reflection shots on the Great Barrier Island. Furthermore, here are some ideas about the essential equipment and camera modes for astrophotography on the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand.  Camera Mode Manual Aperture \(f/2.8\) or \(f/4\) ISO 3200 or 6400 Shutter Speed 15-25 Seconds Or, Divide 500 by the Focal Length of Your Lens File Format RAW or RAW + JPEG to Retain Better Color Data for Editing White Balance Manually Setting The White Balance to 4000 Kelvin Tripod Carry a Sturdy Tripod for Image Stabilization.Focus Keep Your Lens Focus to Infinity.Trigger You Can Use a Remote Trigger or Set the 2-10 Seconds Self-Timer of the Camera to Avoid Jerking while Pressing the Shutter Button.Lens Wide Lens (At least 24mm) for Full-Frame Cameras 18mm or Wider for APS-C Cameras  Seasonal Stargazing Calendar: What To See & When  Know when to watch meteor showers, the Milky Way, and Aurora Australis in the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand.  Season / Months Meteor Showers (Peak Dates) Milky Way Core Visibility Aurora Australis Chances Summer (December–February)• Geminids – Dec 13–14 (best annual shower) • Ursids – December 22• Quadrantids – January 3–4 (short, intense) • Early Morning Visibility• Low on Horizon before Dawn The chances of Aurora Australis visibility are low as geomagnetic activity is subdued; occasional events only during strong solar storms.Autumn (March to May) • Lyrids – April 22–23 • Eta Aquariids – May 5–6• Core Visibility from 2 AM to 5 AM There are moderate chances of seeing the Aurora Australis. As the nights grow longer, the chances become higher, and equinox-related geomagnetic boosts the visibility chances.Winter (June to August) • Bootids – June 27 (variable)• Southern Delta Aquariids – July 28–30• It is the Best Season for Milky Way Photography.• You Can See the Core for Most of the Night. These months offer high chances of seeing the Aurora Australis due to high solar wind and longer nights. The chances of seeing the Aurora increase after the Equinox.Spring (September to November) • Draconids – October 8th • Orionids – October 21–22 • Leonids – November 17th–18th• The Core Visibility Becomes Less in this Season.The September equinox gives strong geomagnetic activity. So, this season offers moderate to high chances for Aurora visibility. Stargazing-Friendly Accommodation & Camping  Camping on the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, is the best option for stargazing. There are Department of Conservation (DoC) campsites such as Medlands Beach, Akapoua Bay, Harataonga, Awana Beach, The Green, and Whangapoua. In addition, Stay High Island Camping Co. and the Great Barrier Island Campground are two privately-owned campgrounds on the Great Barrier Island. Furthermore, stargazing tour providers, such as Good Heavens, can offer all-inclusive packages, including eco-friendly accommodations such as XSPOT Cliff House.  Beach Etiquette & Conservation For Night Sky Lovers  When you listen to the Maori stories about stars and celestial bodies, you have to respect their tradition. Be sensible, as the stories are a part of their value system and spiritual beliefs carried through generations. Our guide asked us to remain quiet during storytelling and participate in some cultural traditions. The more respectful you are toward their culture, the more enriching your experience will be. In addition, you have to abide by the light pollution rules and wildlife protection norms. 1. Light Pollution Rules  Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, is a designated Dark Sky Sanctuary. So, the protection of the dark sky is very important. So, you have to avoid using bright lights, and even if you need to use light for safety, keep the intensity low. Furthermore, you need to allow your eyes to adapt to the darkness of the sky. Slowly, you will also discover the faint stars. You can use a red laser light and binoculars to enhance the stargazing experience on the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. 2. Wildlife Protection  Stargazing goes hand in hand with the wildlife tours on the Great Barrier Island. The sound of black petrels kept us alert during our entire stargazing experience on Medlands Beach. To protect the wildlife on and around your stargazing location, you must avoid feeding the animals and birds. Maintain a safe distance and remain on the marked routes to avoid disturbing their habitats and soil transfer. Furthermore, do not trespass on any private property, and you must not leave any litter behind. Adventure Add-Ons: Glowworms, Hot Springs & Night Kayaking  You can combine the stargazing experience on the Great Barrier Island with night kayaking at the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. As you kayak, you will notice the water of the Great Barrier Island transforming into a surreal landscape. Furthermore, if you are on the Great Barrier Island around February-March, you will see bioluminescence in the water on warm and calmer days. In addition, taking a bath in the Kaitoke Hot Springs after sunset is an experience that you will remeber for the rest of your life. Final Tips For Your Aotea Stargazing Adventure  You need to have some knowledge about the moon phase if you want to enjoy stargazing on Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. The New Moon or the Crescent Moon is the ideal day for observing the night sky. Also, even in the summer months, the temperature drops drastically after sundown. So, you will have to wear layered clothes.  Moreover, keep flashlights dimmed or the brightness of your phone screen low to avoid light pollution.

BY  Shahnawaz Nov 18, 2022

What is most likely to cause someone to fall overboard? It is always good to know how you can pull yourselves out of any danger. Whether you are taking a Boat Ed exam or you just want to be safe during a boat ride, you need to know about all the different safety precautions. One popular question on the internet is why someone falls overboard and what to do in such a situation.  Falling overboard is a major risk on small boats. But how can you reduce this risk? In this article, I will help you find out. What Does It Mean To Fall Overboard? Falling overboard here is mainly referred to as falling from a boat when it is on the move. According to the recreational boat statistics by U.S. Coast Guard, 299 boat accidents happened centering falling overboard. A massive 63% of these accidents ended up in death or fatal injuries. When a boat is moving, it usually causes swaying movement back and forth, and the people in the boat experience agitation, causing them to lose their balance during the ride. It is extremely against safety protocols to stand up while on a recreational boat ride. Since you already struggle to have balance while sitting, standing up reduces that balance to zero. Usually, people don't stand up when riding small recreational boats. However, most of the cases are caused due to carelessness or under the influence of alcohol. What Is Most Likely To Cause Someone To Fall Overboard? The most prominent reason for a passenger falling overboard is due to standing when the boat is moving. But why would someone stand when the boat is moving and swaying the passenger back and forth? Here are a few common reasons - 1. Fishing Anglers need to stand up when they are fishing. Standing up makes it easier for them to handle their rod and fight the fish when it resists. Unfortunately, standing during fishing may also cause someone to fall overboard. That is why anglers are recommended to wear certified PFDs when they are fishing. 2. Alcohol/Intoxication Although it may sound silly, alcohol is among the topmost reasons for people fall overboard when they are sailing. Some people ride on boats when they are under the influence of alcohol or intoxicated by drugs. These influences force them to make a poor judgements. An intoxicated person has more chance of standing up than a sober person. As a result, they fall overboard. So, what is most likely to cause someone to fall overboard? You can ask that for alcohol and drugs. It’s better to ditch them before getting onboard. 3. Carelessness Another cause for falling overboard is carelessness. Boat riders may want to stand up carelessly to take photos and videos for social media. Sometimes, they also stand up just to show off or impress others. Standing up during a small boat ride is considered careless since it makes you lose your balance. Also, it is one of many reasons for falling overboard. What Is The Immediate Thing To Do When Someone Falls Overboard? When you notice that someone fell overboard, it's critical to remain calm. You don't want to get into a panic, waste time, or worsen the situation. When you realize you have a man overboard situation, the first thing you need to do is slow the boat down and turn off the engine.   This will permit you to focus on the casualty so that protecting them is simpler. Additionally, it extraordinarily decreases the gamble of the individual incidentally being harmed by the boat on the off chance that it's actually moving and the motor is running. You must yell "MAN OVERBOARD!" if you are just another passenger and are not actually in charge of the boat. What's more, keep your eyes on the individual in the water. It's easy to lose track of someone in the water, so point them out so the captain and other passengers can find them.  This is doubly evident on the off chance that the individual isn't wearing a PFD, despite the fact that they ought to be. In the water, a life jacket is a useful visual locator. However, if one is not present, you must make every effort to keep an eye on the individual. What To Do When Someone Falls Overboard? It is possible to save someone who has fallen overboard. But, the actions need to be taken immediately. You should also know if the person has fallen into warm water or cold water. Here are a few important steps to help you rescue someone who has fallen overboard. Ask For Help When you notice that someone has fallen overboard, the first thing you have to do is to ask other passengers and occupants for help. If the situation is critical to handle, you should call U.S. Coast Guard for help. Keep An Eye Of The Victim When someone falls overboard, you should keep an eye on them and track their movement. Usually, they will try to swim and go to safety. However, when the wave is rough, they will struggle. Also, if the water is cold, you need to make sure that they are alert and awake at all costs. Most importantly, you should keep track of their location at all times. Throw A Life Ring Or Jacket When someone falls overboard, you can help them by throwing in a life ring or jacket. The life rings are Type IV PFD colored in bright shades. You can also help them with a reaching pole or offer them something to grab onto. It will help you get them out of the water. Turn Back Or Stop The Boat You should slow down the boat and turn back for the victim when someone falls overboard. But, some boats are big enough and cannot be moved easily. Using a smaller boat or life raft can help you save the victim. Having a life raft or small boat as a precaution can help prevent propeller injury while reaching close to the victim in an attempt to save them. Pull The Victim Back In The Boat If all the conditions are met, you are ready to pull the person back on the boat. However, make sure not to put all the weight of the boat on one side of the boat. Doing so can put you at an even larger risk. Read More: When Can Navigation Rules Be Overlooked? How To Avoid Falling Overboard When The Boat Is Moving? Having proper precautions minimize the risk of an accident happening. Here are some of the precautions you can take before sailing off. Wearing PFDs or lifejackets approved by the U.S. Coast Guard should be mandatory for passengers.  The driver of the boats needs an ignition safety switch that acts as a kill switch. It can come in handy during such events. The passengers should not sit in places that are not meant for seating. Passengers should also not sit on the pedestal seating when the boat is on the move.  A boat should not be overcrowded with too many passengers. All the passengers and gears should be well-balanced. Passengers must not stand up or move around the deck of the boat during the journey. If journeying on a smaller boat, do not let the passengers lean themselves beyond the gunwales. Slow down the boat during a turn. Also, stay updated with recent weather reports and travel accordingly. Rules To Follow Onboard The same rule applies to all boats to ensure the safety of passengers. This is because you should always have at least one hand on the boat when standing or moving around the boat. Here are some of the rules that you must follow: Numerous toe rails and lifelines, as well as handholds scattered throughout the boat for you to grab and hold on to, ensure your safety. You run the risk of going overboard if you disregard this rule and are careless while aboard the ship.  You should also avoid going onto the deck when the weather is windy or when the boat is caught in any other bad weather to ensure your safety onboard. Assuming you should go at hand, we recommend wearing a saddle that is secured to jack lines and continuously keeping one hand on the boat. Decks can be risky, particularly on more modest boats, for example, boats when the boat is moving. To stay away from undesirable and dangerous circumstances, forever know about your environmental elements, remain as quiet as could be expected and remain sober while exploring a deck. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Here are some important questions I have answered. These might be helpful for situations such as falling overboard. 1. Do People Survive Falling Off A Cruise Ship? Ans: The chances of survival when someone falls from a cruise ship are very minimum. In most cases, the chances of survival are reduced to 85% to 90%, which causes death. 2. What To Do If You Fall Overboard? Ans: If you fall overboard during a boat cruise, the first thing you should do is stay calm and think positively. Also, it is better for you to stay afloat than try to swim. That way, you will save more energy. Also, cooperate with the rescuers when they try to help you. 3. Can You Survive If You Fell Overboard? Ans: Yes, the chances of survival become high if you are already wearing a life vest. But, if you try to float and stay close to the boat after the fall, it will be easier for your companions to save you. Bottom Line Most of the cases of falling overboard are caused by someone standing when the boat is on the move. You should always try not to stand up or move around the boat during a journey. As long as you and the rest of the passengers are maintaining all the precautions, no accidents should happen. However, if anything were to happen, you can follow these precautions to help them. I think this article was helpful. You can share your feedback in the comment. Read Also: Best Pet Friendly Hotels Near Me In Florida City – Reviewed Top 11 Outlets In Massachusetts You Can Visit While Traveling Top 15 Restaurants In Colombia You Must Visit While Traveling