Upon waking, you discover your canoes have drifted away while camping. What is your best course of action?

Staying calm and assessing the situation is the most effective initial response when faced with the challenge of your canoes drifting away. This approach allows you to think clearly and evaluate your options without the added stress of panic. By remaining calm, you can systematically consider factors such as the location of the canoes, the current of the water, and the safety of attempting to retrieve them. Assessing the situation helps you identify the safest and most logical course of action based on the conditions around you.

Addressing the other responses highlights why they are not as optimal. Panicking can lead to rash decisions that may not be well thought out or safe, while sending someone to swim back without understanding the risks involved can endanger that person. Looking for food may distract from the immediate situation and delay finding a viable solution to retrieve the canoes. Overall, a calm and assessed approach provides the best foundation for decision-making in such scenarios.