What should you do with the engine cut-off switch lanyard while boating?

The engine cut-off switch lanyard is a crucial safety feature designed to stop the engine if the operator falls overboard or is otherwise incapacitated. Attaching the lanyard to your wrist or personal flotation device (PFD) ensures that if you are thrown from the boat, the engine will shut off automatically, preventing potential accidents or injuries caused by an unattended running engine.

This practice effectively enhances your safety while boating because it keeps the lanyard within reach and ensures that it performs its essential function. Using it in this way is widely recommended as part of safe boating practices.

In contrast, attaching it securely to the boat makes it difficult to deactivate quickly if needed. Permanently disconnecting the lanyard would remove a vital safety mechanism altogether, and leaving it inside the boat may lead to situations where it is not readily accessible in an emergency.