What should you do before opening an exit after ditching in water?

Before opening an exit after ditching in water, it is crucial to check outside the window for safety. This step ensures that there are no immediate hazards, such as debris or obstacles, that could pose a risk to the occupants when they exit. Assessing the external environment helps to ensure that the exit path is clear and safe, minimizing the risk of injury or additional distress.

While checking for injuries, activating the life raft, or waiting for crew instruction are important actions in an emergency procedure, they typically happen after ensuring that it is safe to open the exit. Prioritizing safety by checking outside the window reflects a critical awareness of the surroundings that is essential in a potentially chaotic evacuation situation.