If your boat capsizes, what is the best course of action?

Staying with the boat after a capsize is the best course of action for several important reasons. First, a capsized boat may provide some flotation and can keep you centered in a designated area rather than drifting away, making it easier for rescuers to locate you. Additionally, a boat is typically more visible than a person in the water, which significantly increases the chances of being rescued quickly.

The boat may also offer shelter from environmental hazards, such as exposure to cold or severe weather conditions. If the boat remains partially above water, clinging to or climbing onto it can provide vital support and conserve energy, especially in a survival situation where every ounce of strength counts.

Swimming away from the boat can increase the risk of drowning, fatigue, and disorientation, making it harder for rescuers to find you. Climbing onto the nearest vessel may not always be an option, particularly if it is moving or if there is no other vessel nearby. Lastly, calling for help from the water is only effective if there are others who can hear you, making staying with the boat the most practical choice to enhance your chances of being found.