Attract attention

Two flags, tubes or arms waved to and fro, crossing above the head.

Pick up swimmers

One flag, tube or arm waved in a circular manner around the head and a second flag, tube or arm held parallel to the water’s edge and horizontal to the ground. After acknowledgement by the craft (‘message understood’ signal), direct it to swimmers in trouble as required, e.g., further out to sea.

Proceed further out to sea

Two flags, tubes or arms held vertically above the head.

Go to the right or to the left

One flag, tube or arm held at arm’s length, parallel to the ground and pointed in the required direction.

Remain stationary

Two flags, tubes or arms held at arm’s length, parallel to the ground.

Message understood, all clear

One flag, tube or arm held stationary above the head and cut away quickly to the side.

Pick up or adjust buoys

Two flags, tubes or arms raised up and down from 45 degrees below horizontal to 45 degrees above horizontal. After acknowledgment by a craft (‘message understood’ signal), direct it to the buoys as required.

Return to shore


One flag, tube or arm held vertically above the head.