What should you do if someone falls overboard?

When someone falls overboard, the most critical action is to ensure their safety and that of others. Pointing the bow toward the person helps to keep them in sight, which is essential for both assessing their condition and facilitating rescue. By throwing a flotation device, you provide immediate support, giving the person something to grab onto and potentially aiding their ability to stay afloat until they can be rescued.

Choosing the correct response prioritizes both the safety of the individual in the water and the effectiveness of your own actions in turning back toward them. Throwing a buoy or flotation device can provide vital assistance in a precarious situation. This method ensures that the boat remains close enough to retrieve the person and minimizes the risk of drifting away from them.

Other options fall short in effectively addressing the immediate situation. For instance, steering away, calling for help without taking action, or heading back to the dock unnecessarily distances the boat from the person in need. Thus, taking swift, directed action while maintaining control of the vessel is crucial for a successful recovery.