What is the best way to stay visible to other boats at night?

Using proper navigation lights is the best way to stay visible to other boats at night because these lights are specifically designed to communicate your position, direction, and size to other vessels in low visibility conditions. Each type of light serves a specific purpose; for instance, a white stern light indicates where the back of your boat is, while red and green sidelights show your port and starboard sides, respectively. This system is vital for safety and ensures that other boaters can see and understand your movements on the water, helping to prevent collisions. Navigation lights are required by law in many jurisdictions, including Arkansas, and their proper function is critical for nighttime boating.

While staying close to the shore might seem safer, it does not guarantee visibility to other boats, and it can lead to navigating through shallow areas or hazards. Waving a flashlight may attract attention momentarily, but it does not provide a reliable indication of your boat's presence or movement over time. Avoiding nighttime boating altogether may reduce the risk of accidents, but it is not a practical solution for those who need to be on the water at night. Proper navigation lights are the most effective and necessary measure for ensuring visibility and safety when boating in the dark.