What action should be taken if someone falls overboard?

When someone falls overboard, the immediate response should be to throw a life ring or other flotation device to assist them. This action provides immediate buoyancy and helps keep the person afloat while reducing the risk of drowning. The life ring also serves as a visual marker, making it easier for the boat operator and crew to locate and rescue the individual.

Using a life ring is vital because it delivers a crucial safety measure that can keep the person safe until help arrives or they are retrieved. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, providing a flotation device can also help calm the person in the water, as it gives them something to hold onto.

Other actions, such as waiting for the person to swim back or shouting instructions, might not be effective or safe. Depending on the conditions, a person in the water may tire quickly or be unable to return without assistance. Operating the engine to circle back can be dangerous if not handled carefully, as it can create propeller hazards that may risk further injury.