Why should you never plan to stop a moving boat with your arms or legs?

Stopping a moving boat with your arms or legs can lead to severe injury or accidents due to the significant forces involved and the potential for your limbs to become trapped or impacted by the boat or water. Boats, especially larger and faster ones, carry a lot of momentum, and attempting to stop or slow them down with your body can result in serious harm, such as broken bones or lacerations.

Using your limbs in this way is not only dangerous to yourself but can also create a hazardous situation for others on board or nearby. Boating safety guidelines emphasize that proper techniques, such as using throttles and steering mechanisms, are essential to safely manage the vessel's speed and direction. This understanding is crucial for everyone who operates or is on a boat, as prioritizing safety can prevent accidents and injuries while on the water.