What action should be taken immediately when spotting a distress signal?

When spotting a distress signal, the immediate action to take is to call for help while ensuring your own safety. This response is crucial because the distress signal indicates that someone is in immediate need of assistance, and notifying the appropriate authorities or rescue services is vital for a timely response. It's important to prioritize safety first since responding to a distress situation can involve various risks, such as adverse weather conditions or potential hazards in the area.

Safely navigating toward the distress signal and communicating the situation to others allows for a coordinated rescue effort, potentially saving lives. Engaging with the rescue process promptly maximizes the chances of a successful outcome. Taking action quickly aligns with maritime safety protocols, which emphasize the importance of assisting those in distress whenever possible.

Other options that suggest ignoring the signal or quickly bypassing it introduce risks of neglecting the responsibility to assist others. Confirming the authenticity of the signal may also delay critical action when every moment counts in a distress situation. Therefore, calling for help while maintaining personal safety is the most responsible and effective response.