What should you do if someone falls overboard?

If someone falls overboard, the first and most important action is to immediately stop the boat and throw them a flotation device. Stopping the boat ensures that you remain in the vicinity of the person in distress, reducing the risk of losing sight of them. Once the boat is stopped, throwing a flotation device provides immediate support and buoyancy to the individual in the water, increasing their chances of staying afloat while you render assistance.

This approach prioritizes the safety of the person who has fallen overboard and facilitates a quick and effective rescue. Other options, such as continuing to sail or calling emergency services before stopping, could create a greater distance from the person needing help and delay the rescue process. Additionally, asking other passengers to jump in and help could lead to further complications, such as putting more individuals at risk, especially if they’re not trained swimmers or if conditions are dangerous.