What should you do if you fall overboard?

When someone falls overboard, keeping them in sight and instructing them to stay still is the best course of action. This approach helps ensure the safety of the person in the water by reducing the risk of exhaustion and disorientation. By staying still, the person can conserve energy while remaining visible to the boaters, making it easier for those on the boat to locate and rescue them.

In situations where someone has fallen overboard, immediate and effective communication is crucial. Instructing the person to remain calm and in one place allows rescuers to strategize a proper recovery plan rather than risking additional accidents by trying to swim back to the boat or shore right away.

Swimming immediately towards the boat without knowing the conditions could lead to panic or further complications, especially if the person is disoriented or tired. Additionally, signaling other boats for help is usually a secondary response and may take longer than rescuers reaching the overboard individual directly. Therefore, maintaining visibility is paramount for the safety and efficiency of the rescue effort.