What action should be taken if a boat capsizes?

Staying with the boat and signaling for help is the best course of action if a boat capsizes because it significantly increases your chances of survival. Capsized boats often float and can provide a platform for the occupants, reducing the risks associated with being in the water. Additionally, staying with the boat makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. The boat acts as a visible marker and can be spotted from a distance, while a person in the water is much harder to find.

Signaling for help can be done by waving arms, using a whistle, or any available signaling devices. This communication increases the likelihood of being rescued promptly. It is important to remember that many boaters believe they should swim away from the boat; however, leaving the boat can lead to disorientation and exhaustion, especially in open waters. Therefore, staying with the boat and making oneself as visible as possible is the most effective strategy in a capsize situation.