What is the first thing you should do if your boat begins to take on water?

When your boat begins to take on water, the first thing you should do is assess the situation and ensure your safety. Activating distress signals is essential because it alerts other boaters and emergency services that you are in need of help. This action increases the chances of receiving timely assistance, which is crucial in a potentially dangerous situation.

Assessing the severity of the water intake and your ability to manage it is essential, which may include determining whether you need to return to shore or can safely bail out the water. However, without first signaling for help, you could be putting yourself and others at greater risk if the situation escalates. Therefore, activating distress signals is the critical first step to ensure that help is on the way while you evaluate your options.