If you fall overboard, what should your first action be?

When someone falls overboard, the immediate priority should be to keep calm and signal for help. Maintaining composure is crucial because panic can lead to disorientation and hinder rational decision-making. By remaining calm, the individual can assess their situation more effectively and conserve energy while waiting for assistance.

Signaling for help is vital as it alerts others nearby to your predicament, increasing the chances of a prompt rescue. This action also draws attention to where the person is in the water, making it easier for rescuers to locate them. It's important to remember that while options like swimming towards a boat or searching for a flotation device might seem intuitive, they can potentially waste energy and reduce the likelihood of staying visible to rescuers.

Calmly signaling for help ensures that assistance is on the way while the individual stays in a safe position in the water, particularly if conditions are challenging or if they are far from the vessel.