If a passenger falls overboard, what should you do FIRST?

When a passenger falls overboard, the immediate priority is to ensure their safety while simultaneously taking measures to assist them. Reducing speed and throwing the victim a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is the first action because it assists in keeping the person afloat and provides a means to grab onto while awaiting further help.

This action allows the boat operator to maintain control of the vessel, minimizing the risk of further accidents while the passenger is in the water. Once the PFD is provided, the operator can then focus on calling for help or maneuvering the boat safely back to retrieve the individual.

Other approaches, such as jumping in immediately or calling for help before providing support, could lead to confusion or exacerbate the situation. It's essential that the boat remains controlled and that the victim has a floating aid as soon as possible to ensure their safety while additional assistance is arranged.