What is the purpose of the red or orange skier-down flag?

The purpose of the red or orange skier-down flag is to indicate that a skier is down in the water. This flag serves as a critical safety measure, alerting other boaters and individuals in the vicinity that there is a potentially hazardous situation. When a skier falls or is in distress, displaying this flag ensures that nearby vessels are aware and can take appropriate action, such as slowing down or avoiding the area to prevent accidents or injuries.

Understanding the function of this flag is essential for promoting safety on the water, as it informs everyone nearby that someone needs assistance. Each of the other choices does not align with the specific function of the skier-down flag, as they pertain to different boating scenarios and communication needs.