Which of the following is a sign of boating distress?

Flashing lights or waving arms is a clear sign of boating distress. Boaters use these visual signals to communicate their need for help or to alert others to their situation. When someone is in distress, especially on the water, it’s crucial to convey the message effectively to attract attention and prompt assistance. This form of signaling is recognized universally among mariners, indicating an emergency or urgent need for help.

In contrast, signs such as quietness and stillness on the vessel can be misleading; they do not indicate distress and might simply reflect a calm situation. Likewise, excessive speed in calm water does not suggest any sign of distress but rather could indicate reckless behavior. The use of normal signals implies that everything is functioning as expected, which does not align with the definition of distress. Thus, the action of flashing lights or waving arms distinctly indicates a need for help and clearly conveys that someone is in distress on the water.