This type of incident — a passenger thrown from a fast powerboat during a sharp turn — has happened more than once on UK rivers and estuaries. What combination of factors is most often involved in real incidents like this?

A. This type of accident only ever happens on the open sea, never on rivers or in harbours

B. These incidents are completely random and have no common pattern or cause

C. Passenger behaviour is always entirely to blame, with no responsibility resting on the driver

D. Excessive speed for the conditions and area, sharp or sudden turns, passengers not seated securely or holding on, and sometimes alcohol affecting the driver's judgement — together these create a situation where someone can be thrown out with very little warning

A. Speed up to circle back around as fast as possible

B. Wait for the person to swim to the boat before doing anything else

C. Slow down and stop the boat as quickly and safely as possible, keeping the casualty in sight at all times — a person in the water near a boat that may still be moving is in serious danger, especially from the propeller

D. Continue the turn to complete the manoeuvre before dealing with the person in the water

A. Make sure the engine is in neutral or off before anyone gets close to the propeller; approach slowly and carefully, talk to them to check how they are, and recover them gently, being aware they may have an injury (such as to the back or neck) from the impact and should be moved carefully

B. Keep the engine running at idle the whole time they are recovered, since idle speed is assumed to be safe

C. Pull them quickly and roughly aboard by whatever means is fastest, with no thought for possible injuries

D. Have them climb aboard entirely by themselves with no help, regardless of how they seem