Whistle Signals

When paddling, you might need to blow your whistle to let others know that you need help, they need to stop, or the route is “all clear.” The way you whistle depends on the type of waterway, such as a river or open waters, you are using. For example:

• In an emergency, paddlers usually blow a whistle three times on a river or five times in coastal areas or harbors with larger vessels.
• In some locations, paddlers also might blow a whistle once to get another person’s attention or five times to signal danger.

Before you go boating, become familiar with the whistle signals for your waterway. Also make sure that everyone in your group knows and will be using the same signals.