How should you respond if you see a swimmer near your boat?

How should you respond if you see a swimmer near your boat?

• A. Slow down, steer away, and offer assistance if safe to do so.
• B. Speed up to pass quickly.
• C. Ignore and continue boating.
• D. Pull the swimmer aboard by force.

Answer: (A)

When you spot a swimmer near your boat, the priority is safety for both the swimmer and everyone on board. The best approach is to slow down to idle speed, steer away to give them plenty of room, and offer help only if you can do so safely. Slowing down reduces the risk of striking the swimmer with the propeller or creating a dangerous wake that could push them off balance. Steering away creates extra space and helps prevent a collision. If you can assist without getting in the water, provide a safety aid such as a life ring or a throw line, and communicate with the swimmer to see what they need. Avoid speeding up, ignoring the swimmer, or pulling them aboard by force, as those actions can cause injury and put everyone at risk.

When you spot a swimmer near your boat, the priority is safety for both the swimmer and everyone on board. The best approach is to slow down to idle speed, steer away to give them plenty of room, and offer help only if you can do so safely. Slowing down reduces the risk of striking the swimmer with the propeller or creating a dangerous wake that could push them off balance. Steering away creates extra space and helps prevent a collision. If you can assist without getting in the water, provide a safety aid such as a life ring or a throw line, and communicate with the swimmer to see what they need. Avoid speeding up, ignoring the swimmer, or pulling them aboard by force, as those actions can cause injury and put everyone at risk.