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The main purpose of distress signals is to alert rescuers of an emergency situation. Distress signals are crucial safety tools that communicate to others that help is needed. This can be accomplished through various means, such as visual signals like flares or signal flags, audio signals such as horns or whistles, or even electronic signals like the use of an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon). These signals are universally recognized by all mariners and rescue organizations, ensuring that in times of crisis, response efforts can be mobilized swiftly and effectively.

In contrast, indications of celebration, communication for routine operations, or signaling for racing do not convey the urgent need for assistance that distress signals are designed to express. Celebratory signals and routine communications operate within a completely different context, focusing on conveying non-emergency information, while racing signals pertain to competitive contexts, which would not involve the need for rescue or emergency response. This distinction highlights the importance of distress signals in maritime safety and the critical need to respond to them appropriately.