If a Passenger Falls Overboard

If someone on your boat falls overboard, you need to immediately:

• Reduce speed and toss the victim a PFD—preferably a throwable type—unless you know he or she is already wearing a PFD.
• Turn your boat around and slowly pull alongside the victim, approaching the victim from downwind or into the current, whichever is stronger.
• Stop the engine. Pull the victim on board over the stern, keeping the weight in the boat balanced, especially in small boats.