What should you do if your boat capsizes?

Remaining with the boat and signaling for help is the best course of action if your vessel capsizes. A capsized boat can often provide buoyancy and a more visible target for rescuers than a person in the water. Staying with the boat increases your chances of being spotted and retrieved safely. Additionally, signaling for help enhances your visibility to rescuers, which is crucial in a situation where time and visibility are critical.

Swimming immediately for shore can lead to exhaustion, disorientation, or getting caught in currents. Panic and yelling do not effectively communicate your need for assistance and could waste energy without increasing your chances of survival. Ignoring the situation is dangerous, as it does not address the urgent need for help, and waiting for rescue without taking action compromises safety. Overall, remaining with the capsized boat while signaling for help is a well-established safety principle in boating emergencies.