What should you do if you fall overboard?

Staying with the boat if possible is the recommended action when falling overboard because it offers several safety advantages. Firstly, the boat is typically more visible than a person in the water, especially from a distance. Search and rescue efforts can be more effectively directed to the last known position of the boat rather than trying to locate a person in the water. Additionally, a boat can provide flotation, which can help keep a person safe until help arrives or until they can be rescued.

Swimming to shore can be risky as it may require significant energy and could lead to exhaustion or getting lost. Trying to grab the nearest buoy may not always be feasible depending on your distance from it or the current conditions. Signaling for help while swimming could also lead to disorientation or drifting away from the boat, making it harder for rescuers to locate you. Thus, remaining with the boat maximizes your chances of being spotted and successfully rescued.