Sail Through the Alabama Boating Test 2025 – Anchor Your Skills and Cruise with Confidence!

The correct course of action when someone falls overboard is to stop the boat and throw a flotation device, while also having someone ready to assist the person in the water. This is crucial for several reasons:

First, stopping the boat ensures that it is safe and stable, allowing you to effectively assist the person who has fallen overboard. Continuing to move forward would risk further jeopardizing the person’s safety by potentially running over them or creating difficulties in the rescue effort.

Throwing a flotation device provides immediate support to the individual in the water, which is essential for their buoyancy and helps keep them safe until they can be brought back on board. The presence of a flotation device reduces the risk of drowning and gives the person a means to stay afloat.

Additionally, having someone ready to assist ensures that there is a coordinated and efficient effort to retrieve the person from the water. This person can offer reassurance, keep an eye on the individual, and help with the rescue once they are close enough.

Overall, both stopping the boat and preparing to assist create the safest and most effective response to a person falling overboard, demonstrating the importance of immediate action and safety measures in boating situations.