The lanyard safety feature is attached to which of the following?

The lanyard safety feature is designed to enhance the safety of operating a boat by providing a way to automatically shut off the engine if the operator falls overboard or loses control. When securely attached to the operator's wrist, the lanyard connects to the engine's ignition or stop switch. If the operator is thrown from the boat or disconnects from the controls, the lanyard pulls free and activates the engine cut-off switch, stopping the engine and preventing the boat from continuing to operate unattended.

This mechanism is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring that the vessel does not pose a danger to anyone in the water if the operator is incapacitated. The other choices do not serve this safety purpose. The rudder, throttle, and propeller are all integral parts of a boat's operation but do not have the life-saving capabilities that the lanyard provides when linked to the operator. Thus, correctly attaching the lanyard to the operator's wrist is crucial for safety while boating.