PORT TOWNSEND — Two dozen children learned how to use a life raft at the Northwest Maritime Center on Wednesday.
“We are trying to teach good seamanship,” said program director Rob Sanderson.
“Safety is a big part of being around the water.”
Two dozen children participated in the exercise, part of the maritime center’s continuing training program.
After the raft was inflated, Sanderson swam to the raft while wearing a thermal suit — called a “gumby suit” — which retains body heat and prevents hypothermia.
In a disaster, one person dons the suit to prepare the raft for evacuees from the boat.
The 10-foot raft offered tight quarters. It held 15 people, with each restricted to 2 square feet.
Although they were eager to get on the raft, once the children experienced its cramped space, several were just as anxious to get off.
“The most important thing you can do is take a seasick pill right away,” said merchant seaman Karen Arnold, who provided the training.
“There are people standing close together and one of them might barf.
“Can you tell me what will happen if somebody barfs.”
At that point, half the kids answered, “eeeeeeew,” while the rest said, “everybody barfs.”
Arnold said that no one should go down with the ship and that they should stay in the area where it sinks.
“The Coast Guard will come looking for you starting at your last position,” she said.
“So you should stay with it as long as possible.”
The raft weighs about 250 pounds, including its case and a watertight pack containing enough food and supplies to last four days.
The raft was donated by Trident Seafood after its safety date expired in 2008.
Once a raft expires, it can be used only in training exercises, Sanderson said.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.