Which action is least effective for recovering a person who has fallen overboard?

The action of paddling away from the person who has fallen overboard is least effective for recovery because it physically increases the distance between the boat and the person in need of help. When someone is in the water, time is of the essence, and moving away from them delays the rescue attempt, potentially leading to dangerous situations for the individual in the water.

In contrast, throwing a life ring provides buoyancy and something for the person to grab onto, which helps keep them afloat while assistance arrives. Slowly maneuvering the boat toward the person is essential for getting close enough to rescue them safely, allowing for a quick recovery. Keeping the person in sight is crucial for maintaining awareness of their location and ensuring they can be reached effectively. Each of these actions plays a significant role in a successful rescue, while paddling away undermines the rescue effort entirely.