A passenger on your boat falls overboard. What should you do while this person is being pulled back into the boat?

Stopping the engine is crucial when someone has fallen overboard. This action prevents the boat from unintentionally moving, potentially putting the person in the water at greater risk. When the engine is running, there is a danger of the boat running over the individual in the water, which could cause serious injury or make the situation much worse.

By stopping the engine, you allow for a safer recovery process, enabling you to focus on getting the person back on board without the added risk of navigating the boat's path. In this scenario, it is also easier to monitor the person and ensure they are visible and safe while they are being rescued. Additionally, stopping allows other passengers to assist in coordinating the rescue and maintain a safe environment.

While options like continuing at a slow speed or calling for help might seem helpful, they do not prioritize the immediate safety of the person in the water as effectively as stopping the engine does. Throwing a buoy while keeping the engine running also poses a risk; the boat remains a moving hazard, which can complicate the rescue and increase danger for the individual.