Visual Distress Signal Reuired On Lake Washington and Sammamish?

[FishingFool]

Are these considered "coastal waters"

I always thought the had to be flares but according to this, you can use a flashlight and flag.
My flares are expired.
https://www.boat-ed.com/washington/hand ... nals-VDSs/

[BentRod]

If you look at the definition block at the bottom of that page it defines the rivers and bays as having to be two miles wide. Think one could argue that the lakes may not be two miles wide....at least for Sammamish.

[FishingFool]

Meh, I played it safe and got some flares. Now, I didnt buy "marine" flares like I typically do. I just bought "road flares" from Home Depot bc I was in there and saw they had some and relatively inexpensive at $7.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/15-Minute-E ... /303911219

[hewesfisher]

My flares expired several years and I haven't replaced them. Went through a safety inspection conducted by NPS and they didn't even ask if I had flares. IF you get checked, the "non-marine" flares won't cut the mustard. Notice I said "IF".

[TrackerPro16]

The only times I have been checked is around holidays, but they have never asked or looked at my flares.

[FishingFool]

lol I also got an SOS flag, since those dont expire and they seem to fit the daytime requirement. Doesnt take up much room at all.

[beeman]

I got checked at 10th st boat ramp in everett a few weeks back. My boat was brand new in march and dealer supplied everything to be coast guard legal, except the flares expired last october
They noted it on the inspection report but said they were not required for inland waters, just advised.