If you fall overboard into cold water, what should you do first?

The best initial response after falling overboard into cold water is to try to reboard your boat, even if it is swamped. The key reason for this is that your boat serves as a buoyancy aid and can provide critical protection from the cold water. Staying with your boat can increase your chances of survival because it can help keep you afloat and minimize the risk of hypothermia, which is a significant concern when in cold water.

Additionally, reboarding your boat can facilitate rescue efforts, as it is generally easier for others to locate and assist someone who remains with the vessel. Trying to swim to shore can lead to exhaustion or disorientation, especially in cold water, and can also take you farther away from the boat, making reboarding more difficult.

Decisions like removing heavy clothing or waiting for a rescue may also leave you vulnerable and are not as immediate or effective as the priority of getting back to the boat.