What is the purpose of a kill switch on a boat?

The purpose of a kill switch, often referred to as a safety lanyard or engine cut-off switch, is to stop the engine if the operator falls overboard. This feature is critical for safety, as it prevents the boat from continuing to operate without a driver, which could lead to dangerous situations including collisions or the boat circling back and causing harm to the person who has fallen overboard. By cutting off the engine, the kill switch helps to ensure that the situation can be managed more effectively and reduces the risk of injury or accidents in the water.