What safety actions should you take when operating near a swimmer or a moored boat in a crowded area?

• A. Increase speed to pass quickly.
• B. Reduce speed, keep a safe distance, and maintain a lookout.
• C. Circle around to observe from a distance while moving slowly.
• D. Sound the horn repeatedly and proceed.

Answer: (B)

When you’re near a swimmer or a moored boat in a crowded area, your priority is to minimize risk by reducing your speed, keeping a safe distance, and staying alert. Slowing to idle speed reduces wake and gives you more stopping distance, so you can react if someone unexpectedly enters the water or a moored craft shifts. Maintaining a safe clearance protects everyone and helps avoid collisions or tangling with lines, propellers, or other gear. Keeping a vigilant lookout lets you spot swimmers, people on moored vessels, or approaching boats early and adjust course or speed as needed. Increasing speed to pass quickly raises the risk of striking someone or causing a dangerous wake; circling around to observe can create confusion and unpredictable movement; and blowing the horn repeatedly doesn’t create space and can startle people. In these situations, slow down, stay well clear, and watch carefully.