What should you do to reduce the risk of falling overboard?

Maintaining two points of contact while moving on a boat is a crucial practice for reducing the risk of falling overboard. This approach means keeping at least two parts of your body in contact with the boat—such as both hands gripping the railing and one foot on the deck—which provides better stability and balance. By doing so, you greatly minimize the chances of losing your footing due to the movement of the boat or sudden changes in conditions, such as waves or turns.

This practice is especially important in small or moving vessels where the risk of being thrown off balance is higher. It promotes safety by ensuring that if one point of contact is lost, the other can still help stabilize you. This technique is a fundamental safety measure taught in boating courses to prevent accidents on the water.