Your boat capsizes but remains afloat. What should you do?

When your boat capsizes but remains afloat, the best course of action is to hang onto the boat or climb onto it. This is important because the boat provides buoyancy and stability, making it easier to stay afloat than if you were in the water. Remaining attached to the boat increases your chances of being seen by rescuers and protects you from potential hazards in the water.

The boat acts as a flotation device, allowing you to conserve energy and maintain a higher position in the water, which can be crucial for survival, especially in cold or rough conditions. It also helps to reduce the risk of hypothermia since you are not fully submerged. Many paddlers and small boat operators are trained to use their capsized vessel as a lifesaving platform, and doing so can significantly improve your odds of being rescued successfully.