What should be done if a person falls overboard?

When a person falls overboard, the most appropriate and safest action is to throw a life ring and slow down the boat. This approach serves multiple purposes. First, throwing a life ring provides immediate flotation support to the person in the water, increasing their chances of staying afloat until help arrives. Slowing down the boat assists in allowing the person to be easily seen and reached, and it minimizes the risk of creating dangerous wakes or currents that could further jeopardize their safety.

Maintaining control of the boat while managing the situation is crucial. Actions such as jumping in after the person can lead to additional dangers, such as the chance of the rescuer also getting into distress. Speeding away to find help is counterproductive as it distances the rescuers from the person in need, while continuing the journey could result in serious consequences for the individual who has fallen overboard. Thus, the recommended response involves both providing flotation assistance and ensuring a safer approach to the person in the water.