What is the signal for "distress" on a life-line?

The signal for "distress" on a life-line is indicated by four pulls. This distinct signal is critical as it clearly communicates a situation of urgent help required. In emergency response situations, it is essential to have standardized signals to avoid confusion and ensure swift action. Four pulls are widely recognized as a universal distress signal, allowing rescuers to quickly identify that someone is in serious trouble and needs immediate assistance.

Using a more varied number of pulls, such as one, two, or three, may not be universally recognized as indicating distress. Such discrepancies can lead to misunderstandings in emergency scenarios, where clarity and immediate recognition are vital. Therefore, the four-pull signal serves an important function in ensuring safety and effective rescue operations in high-risk environments like mining.