What should you throw to a person who has fallen overboard to help them stay afloat?

• A. Flotation device
• B. Rope
• C. Life jacket
• D. Boat hook

Answer: (A)

When someone falls overboard, the immediate priority is to provide buoyancy so they can stay on the surface without exhausting themselves. A flotation device is designed to float, so tossing one to them gives instant support and a definite surface to grab onto. This keeps their head above water and buys time for you to maneuver to safety or bring them back aboard. Ropes or boat hooks don’t help with buoyancy and can even cause entanglement or injury, while a life jacket is buoyant but is worn rather than thrown—throwing a flotation device is the quickest way to get them afloat right away. If available, a throwable ring buoy or cushion with a line is ideal because it can be tossed accurately and used immediately.