Which action should be taken first if someone goes overboard?

The appropriate first action when someone goes overboard is to call out to the person and mark their position. This step is essential because it ensures that you maintain visual contact with the individual in the water, which is critical for both their safety and your ability to rescue them effectively. By shouting to the person, you can provide reassurance and help them orient themselves, while marking their location allows both you and potential rescuers to know where to look for them.

Maintaining awareness of the situation is vital; if you were to jump in immediately, you could lose sight of the person and complicate the rescue efforts. Alternatively, throwing a life vest without knowing their precise location may not be effective if they are unable to reach it. Panicking and shouting for help would likely hinder the situation rather than improve it, as it could distract you from the necessary actions to assist the person in distress. Being informed and calm is key to executing an effective response in such emergencies.