What should you do if you see a recreational boat that appears to be in distress?

If you observe a recreational boat that seems to be in distress, offering assistance while ensuring your own safety is crucial. By approaching the situation carefully, you can determine the needs of the distressed vessel and provide help if possible. This might involve giving directions, passing along supplies, or towing the boat to safety if necessary.

Furthermore, contacting authorities is important to inform them of the distress situation, especially if it appears the boat is in immediate danger or needs professional assistance. This action promotes safety for everyone on the water, as authorities can dispatch the right resources to handle the situation effectively.

By choosing to assist while simultaneously alerting the proper agencies, you contribute to a safer boating environment. Ignoring the situation or speeding away might lead to dire consequences for the distressed vessel and could even put others at risk. Similarly, relying solely on contacting authorities without offering assistance could delay help and leave the individuals in need without immediate support.