How should you react to a person who has fallen overboard in cold water?

When someone falls overboard in cold water, their body is quickly losing heat, which can lead to hypothermia. Encouraging them to stay still helps conserve body heat, as movement can cause them to lose warmth more rapidly. By remaining in a compact position, they minimize their exposure to the cold water and reduce the risk of further cooling.

In situations like this, it’s crucial for rescuers to assess the situation carefully and respond in ways that prioritize safety and effectiveness. The other choices might seem helpful, but they can compromise the victim's safety or the rescuer's ability to provide efficient assistance. For example, encouraging the person to swim to the boat can lead to exhaustion and further heat loss. Throwing a life jacket and moving closer is beneficial, but if the person is already disoriented or panicking, instructing them to stay still might be more effective until they can be rescued. Jumping in to save them can put both individuals at risk, especially if the rescuer is not trained to handle such situations effectively. Thus, advising the individual to stay still stands out as the most effective initial response in cold water scenarios.