AhaBulbStuff Everyone Should Know
AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/boat-distress-arms-signal

With no radio or flares, what body signal is an official sign of distress on the water?

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  1. Slowly raising and lowering both outstretched arms
  2. Clapping your hands over your head
  3. Waving one hand quickly side to side

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References

  1. 33 CFR 87.01, Annex IV: Distress signals www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-87 Checked 2026-10-09.

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Boating & WaterOn coastal waters, a boat under 16 feet must carry which visual distress signals?Boating & WaterYou spot orange smoke billowing from a boat. What does it mean?Boating & WaterA white strobe flashing 50 to 70 times a minute is a distress signal. Does it meet the visual distress signal carriage rule?

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