Which of the following poses the greatest risk of serious injury to a person in the water near a powerboat?

Being struck by the moving propeller presents the greatest risk of serious injury to a person in the water near a powerboat. Propellers are sharp, fast-moving, and can cause severe lacerations, amputations, or even fatalities. When someone falls into the water near a vessel, especially one that is still operating, the risk of the propeller coming into contact with them increases significantly. It’s essential for boat operators to be vigilant and maintain a safe distance between the boat and anyone in the water to prevent such dangerous encounters.

In contrast, while falling into the water may also pose risks, the immediate danger from a propeller far outweighs those risks. Capsizing can certainly be dangerous and lead to potential drowning, but it doesn’t have the direct, immediate physical harm associated with a moving propeller. Exposure to the sun is a health risk in terms of long-term effects like sunburn or dehydration but doesn’t pose an acute risk of injury in the way a propeller does. Therefore, understanding the dynamics of powerboats and the risks they pose to individuals in the water is critical for ensuring safety while boating.