If a boat capsizes, what is the correct procedure?

When a boat capsizes, grabbing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and swimming to the boat to hold on is the recommended procedure. This action is crucial for a couple of reasons. First, the boat provides some level of stability and buoyancy, which can make it easier to stay afloat until help arrives. Holding onto the boat also increases visibility for rescuers, making it easier for them to locate individuals in distress.

Additionally, if the boat is partially submerged, climbing onto the hull can create a more secure position and protect against exposure to the water, helping to maintain warmth and further ensuring buoyancy. This highlights the importance of having a PFD readily accessible on the boat; it serves as an essential safety measure that dramatically increases the chance of survival in a capsizing situation.

While swimming to shore may seem like a quick mode of escape, it can often lead to exhaustion or navigation challenges, particularly in large bodies of water. Waiting for assistance on the water can sometimes be viable, but without the security of holding onto the boat or a flotation device, the risk of drowning increases. Climbing onto the hull, while potentially beneficial, may not be as effective if there's a lack of flotation support and is less emphasized when compared to