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Those CD-ROM disks you get in the mail make nice signaling mirrors. Put one or two in a ziplock bag for protection and put them in the emergency equipment box on your boat. You do have an emergency equipment box, don't you?

You can use the shiny side of the CD-ROM as a mirror reflecting the sun to get the attention of another boater. Hold the CD-ROM up to your eye with one hand and extend the other arm, thumb up, in front of you. Look through the hole at your thumb and position it in line with the person whose attention you desire. Adjust the angle of the CD-ROM disk so that the reflection of the sun illuminates the tip of your thumb. When it does it will also be directed toward your target. Wiggle the mirror to get attention. Send Morse code if you know how, but that's a double ended problem.

Pack a CD-ROM with each of your life vests. It could save a life!