What is the best action to prevent drowning while boating?

• A. Stand up to see better
• B. Rely on others to rescue
• C. Have everyone wear a lifejacket
• D. Boil water before departure

Answer: (C)

Wearing a life jacket is the best action to prevent drowning while boating. A properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved life jacket provides buoyancy that keeps your head above water, keeps your airway clear, and helps you stay afloat even if you’re tired, injured, or momentarily unconscious. Because it works whether you’re alert or not and doesn't depend on another person’s actions, it dramatically reduces the chance of drowning in a boating incident. To maximize protection, ensure there are enough life jackets for everyone on board and that each one is properly fastened and fitted for the wearer.

Standing up to see better is risky because it shifts your balance and can cause you to fall overboard. Relying on others to rescue you isn’t dependable—rescue can take time, and you need to stay afloat until help arrives. Boiling water before departure doesn’t relate to drowning prevention and could introduce new hazards on a moving vessel.