Boating License Practice Test 2025 - Free Boating Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

Staying with the boat and signaling for help is crucial when a small open boat capsizes. This action is effective because a capsized boat can serve as a flotation device, greatly increasing your chances of survival and visibility for rescuers.

In many cases, being in the water can be dangerous due to currents, cold temperatures, or other hazards. The boat is more noticeable to those searching for you, and you can use it to stay afloat while waiting for assistance.

Signaling for help is essential because it alerts other boaters or rescuers to your situation. They might be able to reach you much faster if they can see you actively signaling rather than searching the shoreline for someone who might have swum away.

Swimming immediately to shore can put you in danger of exhaustion, hypothermia, or even getting caught in currents, which is why it is generally not recommended. Attempting to flip the boat back over is risky and may lead to further complications or accidents, and waiting for another boat to pass without signaling means you could miss the opportunity to draw attention to your situation, potentially leaving you stranded longer than necessary.