RENDERING ASSISTANCEIf you are involved in an accident, you should exchange information with and assist those in the accident without endangering your own life or the safety of your vessel. If you see a distress signal, you should assist those in distress if you can do so without putting your vessel or crew at risk. If you cannot assist, make sure you notify the nearest boaters or authorities who can assist.
CAPSIZING/FALLS OVERBOARD 
The major cause of fatalities involving small boats is drownings from falls overboard, which is why it is important for boaters to wear their personal flotation devices (PFDs). In certain weather conditions and on some vessels, boaters are wise to wear a safety harness with a safety line secured to the vessel. These falls overboard may have several causes; however often times they are the direct result of a vessel capsizing. Capsizing - the overturning of a vessel on its side or turned over - is most common in small sailboats and canoes. Capsizing can occur from operator error or from heavy winds and rough waters. Capsizing illustrates the importance of always wearing a PFD. Luckily; these smaller boats will usually stay afloat after capsizing and provide support to the victims.
IF SOMEONE DOES FALL OVERBOARD: * Slow down, stop if possible, and throw something buoyant to assist the person overboard (this will also help to briefly mark the spot if the person overboard submerges)
* Assign one person to keep sight of the overboard person and have him/her continuously point to the victim's location
* Carefully maneuver to recover the overboard person - keep them on the operator's side of the boat for powerboats
* Establish contact with the victim using a buoyant heaving line or lifebuoy secured to the boat with a line, and recover the person. Be sure to turn off the prop - if retrieving from the stern. A heavy rope, chain or cable secured at both ends and draped over the side, almost touching the water, can provide a makeshift step if no boarding ladder is available.
SURVIVING A CAPSIZING/FALL OVERBOARD * Stay calm and conserve energy. If possible, take a headcount and signal for rescue.
* Stay with the boat unless the boat is headed for a hazard.
* If possible, try to right the boat. At the very least, you should try to get as much of your body out of the water and onto the capsized boat as possible to conserve energy and delay the onset of hypothermia (cold water).
* Improvise flotation: If the boat is not nearby - use floating items around you to help you stay out of the water and afloat (empty fuel tank, fender).
* When separated from your boat in a swift river current, you should float on your back with your feet downstream.
PREVENTING A CAPSIZING/FALL OVERBOARD * Be sure to stay centered and low in the vessel
* Do not overload the vessel, and ensure the load is distributed evenly.
* Take corners at a safe speed and angle.
* Watch for other boats' waves and take them head-on off the bow.
* Reduce your speed or avoid boating in bad weather that creates rough water.
* Remember to never tie an anchor rode line to the stern of the boat. This will place even more weight at the back of the boat and increase the chances of swamping.
