Which precaution is crucial when someone has fallen overboard?

Assigning a spotter is a crucial precaution when someone has fallen overboard because it ensures that someone is specifically tasked with watching the person in the water while others can focus on executing rescue procedures, such as maneuvering the boat to retrieve them. The spotter helps to keep the overboard individual in sight, providing guidance on their location and ensuring that they do not drift away due to currents or other factors.

This arrangement allows for a more organized and safe response to the emergency. While anchoring the boat, waiting for the person to swim back, or calling the Coast Guard can be part of the response, they do not directly assist in monitoring and facilitating a safe and immediate recovery. The priority must be on the individual in the water, and having a designated spotter guarantees that attention remains focused on them throughout the emergency.