Seasickness or Motion Sickness? Whatever you call it; it sucks!

First Aid For Recreational Boaters

While researching content that is specifically designed for the Recreational Boater, I have come across some real gems in the description of aliments at sea. This is by far my favorite, and I’ll share it with you now.

The two stages of Seasickness:

1. You are so sick you’re afraid you may die.
2. You are so sick you’re afraid you may not die.

In his book “The Human Body”; Isaac Asimov related the anecdote about a seasick passenger.

It was a rough crossing and Mr. Jones was suffering the tortures of the damned. During one of the more unsettled periods, he was leaning over the rail, retching miserably, when a kindly steward patted him on the shoulder.

“I know, sir” said the steward, “that it seems awful. But remember, no man ever died of seasickness.”

Mr. Jones lifted his green countenance to the stewards concerned face and said, for heavens sake, man, don’t say that. It’s only the wonderful hope of dying that’s keeping me alive.”

Now some of us have been in Mr. Jones predicament before. Others who can endure the roughest seas without so much as the complaint, well… we hate you.

Now contrary to the stewards admonition that “no one ever died from seasickness,” well, we know that’s not true. Seasickness can cause severe dehydration that can lead to kidney damage and even renal failure. The person who remains seasick for an extended period of time without food without water is indeed suffering a medical emergency.

Find out two days before a voyage if your passengers are prone to seasickness, and take appropriate measures to start medications 12 hours before you cast off lines.

Ok that’s it, just a quick little story about a poor seasick man.

Take care…

Captian Thomas