The most important piece of equipment on a boat in preventing propeller strike injuries is a kill switch or engine cut-off switch. A kill switch is designed to shut off the engine if the operator is thrown from the helm, which can happen during a sudden turn, collision, or other unexpected events. This immediately stops the boat’s propeller from spinning, reducing the risk of injury to anyone in the water.
Kill switches are typically attached to the operator by a lanyard or other mechanism, and should be worn at all times while the boat is in operation. This ensures that the engine will automatically shut off if the operator is no longer in control of the vessel.
In fact, many jurisdictions require the use of kill switches on certain types of boats or in specific situations, such as when the boat is being operated at high speeds. It is important to familiarize yourself with the requirements in your area and always prioritize safety when operating a boat.
