What safety equipment should be within reach while fueling?

Having a fire extinguisher within reach while fueling is crucial for ensuring safety on the water. Fueling a boat involves handling flammable substances, which increases the risk of fire. If a fire were to ignite during the fueling process, having a fire extinguisher readily accessible allows for a quick response to extinguish the flames, potentially preventing serious injury and damage.

In contrast, while a first aid kit is essential for treating injuries, it is not specifically designed to address fire emergencies. An anchor, although useful for mooring, does not provide assistance in emergencies related to fueling. A whistle is a valuable signaling device for emergencies, but it does not help in controlling or extinguishing a fire. Thus, the fire extinguisher is the most appropriate piece of safety equipment to have accessible during fueling operations to ensure immediate action can be taken if necessary.