What is the purpose of guards on a boat?

The purpose of guards on a boat, specifically guarding around the propeller, is to provide a physical barrier that enhances safety by preventing individuals, particularly swimmers, from coming into contact with the rotating blades. This protection is crucial because propeller strikes can result in serious injuries or fatalities.

Having a physical guard in place reduces the risk associated with operating a boat in close proximity to people in the water or when docking. It serves as a significant safety feature, ensuring that any potential interactions with the propeller are minimized, thereby keeping passengers and crew safer during operations.

In contrast, while the other options hint at other safety features or enhancements, they do not accurately capture the primary function of guards as a means of preventing injury from the propeller. Guards are not designed to keep passengers from falling, enhance speed, or act as a flotation device, making the true purpose of protecting individuals from propeller hazards crucial.