How can propeller strike accidents be avoided?

Avoiding propeller strike accidents is crucial for ensuring the safety of everyone on or near the water. Watching for swimmers around the boat is essential because it helps keep vulnerable individuals away from the propeller's danger zone. Propellers can cause severe injuries even if a boat is moving slowly, and swimmers may not always be visible to the boat operator. By maintaining a vigilant watch for any swimmers or individuals in the water, boat operators can minimize the risk of accidents and take necessary precautions, such as slowing down or using designated swimming areas.

In contrast, increasing boat speed does not contribute to safety and can actually increase risk by making it harder to perform safety maneuvers. Paying attention to passenger movements is important for overall safety on board, but it does not directly address the risk of propeller strikes. Turning off the engine when not in use is a good practice for safety, but it is not practical in preventing propeller strikes while operating the boat or during active situations where swimmers might be present. Thus, actively watching for swimmers is the most proactive approach to avoiding propeller strike accidents.