Ride the Waves with Confidence: Rhode Island Boater Test 2025 – Set Sail for Success!

When someone falls overboard, the safest and most effective action is to throw them a flotation device and keep the vessel steady. This approach accomplishes several important objectives. First, it provides the person in the water with a means of buoyancy, which is crucial for keeping them safe until they can be rescued. Second, maintaining a steady position of the vessel helps avoid further accidents, such as another person falling overboard or the boat capsizing.

Additionally, keeping the boat steady allows the operator to monitor the person's condition and position, making it easier to execute a proper rescue afterward without exhausting themselves or drifting away from the person in distress. This method maximizes the chances of a safe and efficient rescue.

In contrast, jumping in to rescue someone without assessing the situation can put both the rescuer and the person in danger. Turning the boat around quickly may not accurately position the boat for a safe recovery and could also create waves that could further unsettle the person in the water. Finally, just calling for help without taking immediate action can delay rescue efforts significantly. Therefore, using a flotation device while keeping the boat steady is the most recommended course of action.