If you accidentally fall overboard, what should you do?

Floating on your back, staying calm, and signaling for help is the most effective response if you accidentally fall overboard. This approach helps conserve energy and allows you to maintain buoyancy while you wait for assistance. Staying calm is crucial because panic can lead to exhaustion and hinder your ability to think clearly and attract attention.

In a situation where you fall overboard, swimming immediately to the nearest shore may seem like a logical choice, but this can be dangerous. Depending on the distance, water conditions, and your swimming ability, attempting to swim to shore can lead to fatigue or getting lost.

Panic and splashing around can worsen the situation significantly, as it can tire you out rapidly and increase your risk of drowning.

Waiting to call for rescue only if emergency services are nearby is not advisable either. In an overboard situation, you should signal for help right away, regardless of whether you see emergency services, to ensure that help is on the way as soon as possible.