What to look at before going out, and what we always carry on board.
The forecast comes first. On this coast the wind changes quickly: an easterly brings in a swell, and a strong westerly chops the water up within the hour. If the forecast does not suit, the date is changed; going out to see what happens is never worth it.
Every boat goes out with the compulsory safety equipment checked and with a life jacket for each person on board. Life jackets are worn, not stowed: worn, they save people; stowed, they are no use at all.
Before leaving we explain where the equipment is, how to call for help on the radio and what the authorised navigation area is. It takes five minutes and it is the most important part of the hire.
Safety at sea starts on land, with four checks before casting off: the day's forecast, the boat's compulsory equipment, a life jacket for each person on board, and the briefing on the authorised navigation area. If the forecast is not right, the trip is postponed and the date is changed at no cost.
Once on the water three rules apply: life jackets worn, not stowed; someone always watching whoever is swimming; and no alcohol for whoever is at the helm. To call for help there is VHF channel 16 and 112, and Spanish Maritime Rescue (Salvamento Marítimo) also answers on +34 900 202 202.
Approved life jackets for everyone on board, a lifebuoy with a line, a fire extinguisher, flares or light signals, a signalling mirror, a bailer, oars or an auxiliary means of propulsion, and a first-aid kit. The exact list depends on each boat's navigation zone.
All of it is checked before every trip, not once a month. And before casting off we point out where each item is: there is no use carrying flares if nobody knows which locker they are in.
On VHF channel 16, which is the international emergency frequency and the one the Spanish coastguard monitors permanently. Or by calling 112 from a mobile, which has coverage all along this coast.
When you call for help you give three things in this order: who you are, where you are and what has happened. The position matters most: if there is a GPS on board, read out the coordinates; if not, give a landmark visible from the shore.
With a storm or heavy-swell warning, with more than 20 knots sustained in a small boat, or with a swell running in from the east even if the wind is light, because that swell cannot be seen from inside the marina.
Nor at night unless the boat is equipped and authorised for it, and not in fog. And the rule that covers all of them: if in doubt, you do not go. Changing the date costs nothing; a badly judged trip can cost a great deal.
Shout "man overboard", point at them with your arm and do not take your eyes off them for a second, and throw the lifebuoy. Whoever is pointing does nothing else: just points. Losing sight of someone at sea takes seconds, and finding them again afterwards is hard.
The skipper stops the engine, turns and always approaches from downwind, so the boat does not drift onto the person. Nobody jumps in to rescue them unless there is no other option: that turns one problem into two.
They are the real emergency on almost every trip, well ahead of any breakdown. At sea the sun comes from above and bounces back off the water, and the wind fools you because you do not feel the heat.
High-factor sun cream before boarding and again every two hours, a cap, a T-shirt for the children and plenty of water. A day on a boat with no shade dehydrates you more than a hike, and alcohol speeds it up.
That the life jacket stays on all the time, also when the boat is at anchor and during meals. When booking, say how many children are coming and how old they are, so that there are life jackets in their size on board: an adult life jacket on a small child slips up over the head as soon as they fall in.
Under way, children sit in the cockpit and never on the bow, which is the part that bounces most on the waves. And the sun gets to them first: a cap, a T-shirt, sun cream renewed every two hours and water to hand, because there is hardly any shade on deck.
If it is not here, call us: two minutes on the phone and it is sorted.
If the forecast does not suit, the date is changed at no charge. Going out to see what happens is never worth it.
Yes, and it is worn, not stowed. Worn, they save people; stowed, they are no use at all.
On VHF channel 16 or by calling 112. Before setting off we show you where the radio is and how to use it.
The compulsory safety kit, the life jackets and the fuel. And the authorised navigation area is explained: it takes five minutes and it is the most important part of the hire.
+34 900 202 202. From the sea you can also call 112 or use VHF channel 16, which Salvamento Marítimo monitors 24 hours a day.
Leave us your number and we will call you. In July and August it is worth booking ahead.
Puerto Deportivo de Fuengirola, local 367. You can drop in and see the boats before you book.
At no charge. Going out to see what happens is never worth it.
Life jackets for everyone on board, included in the price.
