 |
| Trying on a life jacket on Liberty of the Seas |
Unlike the Costa cruise lines, Royal Caribbean ships gather passengers BEFORE a ship sails for the life boat drill.
At our drill, we learned how to put on a life jacket even though we didn't have our life jackets with us. (Passengers are instructed to leave the jackets in their staterooms.) We were told what to do if we had to abandon the ship (Screaming wildly and fighting to get on a life boat were not options we were given.)
What was most disappointing was that we seemed to be the only ones around us who took the drill seriously. We listened and watched but the people next to us weren't paying attention at all. They were too busy giggling, taking pictures and downing beers and umbrella drinks to hear any instructions.
Of course, had the ship had any problems, those 'who were too busy to the drill' would probably have been the ones in a panic. We, on the other hand, would be calm and collected...or at least we would know how to put on a life jacket.
The morale of this story is that life boat drills should be taken seriously...what you learn there could save your life.
Studies of disasters show: about 15% panic, 15% know the proper things to do, and the 70% must decide which to follow...
ReplyDeleteOne would think, screaming wildly would draw unwanted attention when trying to sneak onto a lifeboat.
Another thought: The Titanic is the only ship, I know of, That sank on an even keel... all the rest list to one side. Note: lifeboats only work on the "down" side.
Not sure what percent we would be. Like to think I would be in the 15% of knowing the proper things to do. Just hope I remember what those are when I need to remember.
ReplyDelete