What should you do if your small open boat capsizes?

Staying with the boat and signaling for help is the best course of action if your small open boat capsizes. When a boat capsizes, it can remain buoyant and serve as a platform for you to stay safe and visible to rescuers. Swimming away from the boat can lead to exhaustion, disorientation, and may increase the risk of hypothermia, especially in cold water. By remaining with the boat, you reduce the chances of being lost at sea, as the boat is more visible than a swimmer.

Additionally, signaling for help increases the likelihood of a quick rescue. This can include using a whistle, waving your arms, or utilizing any signaling devices you may have aboard. This action is particularly critical in crowded water areas where other boaters may be nearby and able to assist you.

Swimming to shore is not advisable due to the potential for fatigue or changes in currents. Trying to right the boat immediately may also be challenging, depending on the boat's size and weight, and may put the individual at increased risk of further capsizing. Using flares can be an effective way to attract attention, but it requires remaining with the boat to ensure that you are safe and can be seen by rescuers.