What is one of the risks associated with hypothermia while boating?

Hypothermia significantly affects a person's physical and mental capabilities, which can increase the risks while boating. When someone experiences hypothermia, their body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a drop in core temperature. This state causes confusion, poor coordination, and impaired judgment, all of which can severely impact one’s ability to respond to emergencies or operate a vessel safely.

Increased risks on the water may include difficulty in swimming, increased chances of falls or accidents, and an inability to react appropriately to potential hazards. Additionally, hypothermia can impair a person's ability to make sound decisions, which is critical for navigating and ensuring safety while on the water.

The other options do not accurately reflect the effects of hypothermia. For instance, improved swimming ability or increased alertness are contrary to the physiological responses seen in someone suffering from hypothermia, while decreased fatigue does not occur in this state, as the body is under stress trying to maintain its temperature and may exhibit signs of exhaustion instead.