Maryland Boating Certification Practice Exam

What should you do if your boat capsizes or starts to swamp?

1. Swim to shore immediately

2. Stay with the boat

3. Call for help from another boater

4. Look for floating debris to grab onto

The correct answer is: Stay with the boat

Staying with the boat is the preferred action if it capsizes or starts to swamp because most boaters are taught that a capsized boat is much more visible to rescuers than an individual swimmer. Boats are designed to float, and remaining with the boat provides a stable platform that can help keep you above water and safe from strong currents or waves. Additionally, abandoning the boat can lead to disorientation in open water, making it more challenging to get to safety or be spotted by rescuers. Swimming to shore immediately can be dangerous, as it may involve a significant distance depending on the location, and the current can pull you away from safety. Similarly, while calling for help can be important in some situations, without a means to communicate (like a radio or a cell phone), it may not be feasible. Lastly, while grabbing onto floating debris could potentially help in some cases, it assumes there is debris nearby and may lead to further separation from the boat and increase the risk of drowning. Thus, the best course of action is to stay with the boat to enhance your chances of survival and facilitate rescue.