What should you do if you fall overboard?

If you fall overboard, the safest and most effective response is to try to stay calm and signal for help or swim back to the boat. Remaining calm is crucial because panic can lead to poor decision-making and exhaustion. Shouting for help or using a whistle if available can alert others nearby to your situation, increasing your chances of being rescued.

Swimming back to the boat, if it is within a reasonable distance, is usually a preferable option because it is likely to be your safest and quickest means of returning to safety. Additionally, boats are equipped with safety gear and floatation devices that you can use once you are back on board.

Choosing to swim to shore might seem like a straightforward solution, but it can often be unwise due to unknown distances, currents, and other hazards such as rocks or marine life. Waiting for someone to notice you poses the risk of drifting away from safety or being overlooked, which could increase the danger you are in. Therefore, staying calm and signaling for help or swimming back to the boat is the best course of action in this situation.