What should you do if someone falls overboard?

When someone falls overboard, the immediate priority is to ensure their safety and facilitate their rescue. Stopping the boat is crucial because it prevents further injury to the person in the water and allows you to maneuver more effectively to assist them. Throwing a flotation device not only provides them with something to hold onto, increasing their chances of staying afloat, but it also helps facilitate a quicker recovery.

This action demonstrates awareness of the drowning risk and the need for immediate support. Promptly stopping the boat allows for close monitoring of the individual's condition and position, making it easier to assist them back on board once they have secured the flotation device.

Other options, such as calling for help and waiting, or continuing to drive the boat, could result in delaying the response and potentially putting the person at greater risk. Asking the person to swim to the boat might underestimate their level of distress and physical capability, which could be dangerous if they are exhausted or panicking. Thus, providing immediate assistance by stopping the boat and offering a flotation device is the most effective and responsible course of action.