How should you respond to a person who has fallen overboard?

Using a line or a boat hook to help the person who has fallen overboard is the safest and most effective response. This method allows you to maintain your own safety while assisting the person in distress. By extending a line or boat hook, you can provide a means for them to grasp onto or hold onto as you pull them back to safety, preventing the risk of both you and the individual being in the water at the same time.

Jumping in immediately to save someone in deeper water can create additional risks, such as drowning or exhaustion, especially if you are not a strong swimmer or if the person in the water is panicking. Throwing an anchor is ineffective and can create a dangerous situation by potentially pulling the person under or making it difficult for them to remain afloat. Waiting and observing until a rescue team arrives does not address the immediate needs of the person in the water and can result in a delayed rescue, which can be critical in emergency situations. Properly utilizing the available equipment such as lines or boat hooks maximizes the chances of a successful and safe rescue.