What should you do if someone falls overboard?

If someone falls overboard, the most appropriate action is to immediately stop the boat and throw a flotation device while keeping an eye on them. This approach prioritizes the safety of the person in the water, as stopping the boat allows you to minimize risks such as propeller injuries and ensures that you can closely monitor their position and condition.

Throwing a flotation device provides buoyancy and support, which is vital for someone who may be struggling in the water. It enables the person to hold on and helps to keep them afloat until you can rescue them. By maintaining visual contact, you can react quickly if their situation changes or if they need additional assistance.

Increasing speed to reach them could create a hazardous situation, as it risks further injury to the person overboard and complicates the rescue process. Waiting for the person to swim back and calling for help instead of directly assisting can also delay necessary action and might lead to a more dangerous situation. Hence, the recommended practice is to stop the vessel, provide flotation support, and monitor their safety closely.