What should you do if your boat starts taking on water?

If your boat starts taking on water, the most effective first step is to find and seal the leak if possible. This approach addresses the root cause of the problem. By quickly locating the leak, you can take necessary actions to minimize or stop the inflow of water, which is critical in preventing the boat from capsizing or sinking.

Taking immediate action to seal the leak can often buy you precious time until assistance arrives or until you can safely navigate to shore. This proactive measure is essential for maintaining safety on the water and ensuring the well-being of all onboard.

While it might seem tempting to accelerate to pump out water faster, this could actually worsen the situation by causing more water to enter the vessel or being less effective than directly addressing the leak. Evacuating passengers may be necessary in extreme situations, but if the leak can be managed, keeping everyone onboard while you address the problem is safer. Using a flare might help signal for assistance, but it does not solve the immediate issue of water entering the boat. Thus, sealing the leak is the most logical and effective response in this scenario.