If someone falls overboard, which action is recommended?

Throwing a buoyant object to assist someone who has fallen overboard is a recommended action because it provides immediate assistance while minimizing risk to both the individual in the water and the rescuers. A buoyant object, such as a life ring or floatation device, can offer the person in distress something to hold onto, making it easier for them to stay afloat until help arrives.

This method also allows the boat operator to maintain better control of the situation, as diving in to rescue may lead to additional dangers, such as potential injury or the risk of the rescuer becoming incapacitated in the water. Assigning multiple people to rescue can create a chaotic situation, complicating the rescue effort and risking further accidents. Keeping the boat sailing away from the location is counterproductive, as it denies any assistance to the person in the water. Therefore, utilizing a buoyant object is the most effective and safest action to take in such an emergency.