What color is the handheld smoke signal used during the day?

The handheld smoke signal used during the day is orange because it is specifically designed to provide the highest visibility against a variety of backgrounds and conditions. Orange is a bright, attention-grabbing color that stands out against natural landscapes, making it effective for signaling distress or drawing attention from other boaters or rescuers during daylight hours.

Other colors, while they may be visible to some extent, do not offer the same level of effectiveness as orange in terms of contrast and visibility during the day. For example, red might be more associated with alert signals but doesn't provide the same vivid contrast in bright daylight conditions. Green and blue are not as commonly used for signaling in emergencies, as they may blend into natural surroundings and can be less noticeable. This makes orange the preferred choice for successfully signaling during daylight situations.