During capsizing response, what should you do about passengers without a PFD?

During capsizing response, what should you do about passengers without a PFD?

• A. Ignore them
• B. Help people without PFD
• C. Remove PFDs from those with PFDs
• D. Move away from passengers

Answer: (B)

In a capsizing situation, the top priority is keeping everyone afloat. Those without a personal flotation device are at the greatest risk because they have no buoyant support to stay above water on their own. The best action is to help people without a PFD get flotation as quickly as possible—help them put on a life jacket or assist them to stay afloat with available devices, and keep them calm and supported until rescue comes. Choosing to ignore them leaves vulnerable passengers at high risk of drowning. Taking a PFD away from someone who already has one could endanger them and isn’t a rescue action. Moving away from passengers eliminates your ability to assist and protects no one. The focus should be on getting flotation to those without it and maintaining safety for everyone involved.

In a capsizing situation, the top priority is keeping everyone afloat. Those without a personal flotation device are at the greatest risk because they have no buoyant support to stay above water on their own. The best action is to help people without a PFD get flotation as quickly as possible—help them put on a life jacket or assist them to stay afloat with available devices, and keep them calm and supported until rescue comes.

Choosing to ignore them leaves vulnerable passengers at high risk of drowning. Taking a PFD away from someone who already has one could endanger them and isn’t a rescue action. Moving away from passengers eliminates your ability to assist and protects no one. The focus should be on getting flotation to those without it and maintaining safety for everyone involved.