What action should be taken if you see a buoy?

If you see a buoy while boating, the appropriate action is to follow the buoy's signal depending on its color and shape. Buoys are vital navigational aids that convey important information about water conditions, hazards, and navigation routes. Each buoy has a specific meaning based on its color and shape; for instance, red buoys typically indicate a safe channel, while green buoys indicate the other side of the channel.

Understanding and adhering to the signals that buoys provide is crucial for maintaining safety on the water. They assist in preventing accidents and ensuring proper navigation, particularly in unfamiliar or crowded waters. Ignoring a buoy might lead to navigating into dangerous areas, while swimming towards it does not address the necessary navigational signals it provides. Similarly, changing your course dramatically could lead to confusion or potential collision, as it does not take into account the guided paths that buoys establish. Therefore, it is essential to follow the signals of the buoy to ensure safe and effective navigation.