If your boat capsizes, what should you do?

Staying with the boat if possible and signaling for help is the correct action to take if your boat capsizes. This is because a capsized boat remains a flotation device, which can help keep you above water and increase your visibility to rescuers. In open water, it is often more challenging for rescuers to locate someone who is swimming away from the capsized vessel. By remaining close to the boat, you not only maintain a better chance of staying afloat but also provide a reference point that rescuers can use to find you more quickly.

Signaling for help can be done through various means, such as using a whistle, mirror, or other signaling devices that might be on board. These actions increase your chance of survival until help arrives. It's important to remember that many instances of drowning occur when individuals stray too far from their capsized vessel, making it critical to stay close to the boat.

Swimming away from the boat can put you in greater danger as it reduces your chances of being seen and increases the distance from where you were located during the incident. Attempting to fix the issue before signaling for help might put you at greater risk, as dealing with a capsizing situation may require immediate action rather than waiting to rectify a problem. Similarly,