Why is carrying a flashlight important when on the water?

Carrying a flashlight when on the water is essential for signaling other vessels, especially during nighttime or periods of low visibility. A flashlight can effectively communicate your position to nearby boats, helping to prevent collisions or misunderstandings. This is particularly important in situations where other vessels may not be aware of your presence, allowing you to enhance safety on the water for yourself and others.

While other options involve important aspects of boating safety, signaling specifically addresses the key function of a flashlight in an emergency or during navigation at night. Attracting fish, navigating through fog, or illuminating a path to shore might utilize light sources, but they do not focus on the critical aspect of communication and safety that signaling other vessels provides.