What should you do if your boat capsizes?

Staying with the boat if it is safe to do so and signaling for help is the best course of action if your boat capsizes. This approach is important for several reasons. First, a capsized boat can provide flotation, helping to keep you above water. In many cases, a capsized boat might not sink completely and can act as a raft, increasing chances of survival while waiting for rescue.

Additionally, being near the boat makes you more visible to rescuers. A person floating in open water can be hard to spot, especially from a distance, whereas a capsized boat is usually more recognizable. Signaling for help is also crucial, as it notifies others of your situation and can lead to a quicker rescue.

Options like swimming away from the boat can increase the risk of exhaustion or getting lost in the water, while trying to right the boat immediately can be dangerous and might not always be possible. Climbing onto the hull does provide some safety, but it may not be viable if conditions are rough or if the boat is unstable. Therefore, the principle of remaining near the capsized boat and signaling for help maximizes safety and increases the likelihood of a successful rescue.