If your boat capsizes, what should you do?

In the event of a boat capsizing, the best course of action is to stay with the boat if it is safe to do so. This is because the boat may act as a floating platform, giving you more stability and visibility than trying to swim, especially if you're not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD). It can also make it easier for rescuers to locate you compared to if you were in the water. Staying with the boat increases your chances of surviving until help arrives, particularly if the conditions are hazardous or if you're far from shore.

While it is important to signal for help, leave the boat, or swim to shore in specific circumstances, making the choice to stay with the capsized vessel typically provides the best chance of rescue. In many cases, swimming to shore can be dangerous if you are incapacitated, disoriented, or if the shoreline is far away, as you may exhaust yourself or encounter other hazards in the water. Therefore, remaining with the boat is generally recommended to ensure greater safety and improve the likelihood of being rescued.