ACR ResQFlare Electronic Distress E-Flare and Flag, USCG Approved Replacement for Pyrotechnic Flares – ACR 3966
$79.95
Price: $79.95
(as of Feb 04, 2026 10:40:25 UTC – Details)
Product description
USCG-Approved Flare for Boat Distress Safe, Reliable, Friendly Alternative to Pyrotechnic Flares
The ResQFlare is a USCG-approved electronic flare kit that boosts boating safety. It emits SOS in Morse Code for 20+ hours—three times longer than pyrotechnic flares. Family-safe with no flame, it uses replaceable 2 C batteries, providing reliable, long-lasting performance.
ResQFlare Specifications
Battery C Cell Alkaline Batteries (x2) (Not Included) Battery Replacement Replace Batteries Annually Light Source High Efficiency 0.5W LED (x7) Light Color White Operation Time ≥20 hrs over 75 cd (room temperature) Activation Manual
One-time purchase
High intensity LED strobe
No expiration dateFamily safe (no burning flame)Easy to operate (so even your kids and first-time boaters can operate it in the event of an emergency)No issues with the existing stringent mandatory disposal requirements for pyrotechnic flares (legally considered as hazardous materials)Waterproof and Buoyant 
Do I still have to carry Flare on my boat?
Carrying the ResQFlare and Distress Flag allows U.S. boaters to replace traditional pyrotechnic flares on vessels up to 65′ on the Great Lakes, within 12 miles of U.S. waters, or on waters with a passage to the sea at least two miles wide.
What is the operation time?
Operational life of +20 hours at 75 candelas.
Can its batteries be replaced easily?
Yes, the light requires two C Cell Alkaline Batteries (Not included)
ResQFlare
ResQFlare is a high-intensity LED Electronic Distress Boat Flare.C Cell Alkaline Batteries (x2) (Batteries not included)High Efficiency LED (x7)White Light LEDSignaling Daytime Distress Flag 
ResQFlare PRO
ResQFlare PRO introduces cutting edge SOS distress signaling technology.123 Lithium Batteries (x8) (Batteries not included)High Efficiency LEDs (x17)Red Orange (x8 2 Watt LEDs) / Cyan (x8 3 Watt LEDs)Signaling Daytime Distress Flag
ResQFlare
The video showcases the product in use.The video guides you through product setup.The video compares multiple products.The video shows the product being unpacked. ResQFlare Ad Video Merchant Video
ResQFlare and included Distress Flag, when carried together, qualify as a replacement for the carriage of USCG pyrotechnic flares (U.S.A. only) | Waterproof (IP67)
Bright light in all directions (360° visibility) | Light weight and compact in size | Certified under USCG 161.013 as a Nighttime Visual Distress Signal
Automatically rights itself and floats when in the water (no buoyancy/flotation ring necessary) | Visible over 6 miles | Includes Distress Flag (Certified under USCG 160.072 as Daytime Visual Distress Signal)
User Replaceable C-Cell Alkaline Batteries (Not Included) | High intensity LED strobe maintains a minimum peak equivalent fixed intensity of 75 cd for 20 hours or greater (room temperature)
Operational life of 20 hours is over 3 times longer than USCG requirement for maintaining peak equivalent fixed intensity of 75 cd | Durable design
13 reviews for ACR ResQFlare Electronic Distress E-Flare and Flag, USCG Approved Replacement for Pyrotechnic Flares – ACR 3966
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$79.95
Robo –
Works well
Does what it says, seems well made, easy to use
Terrillja –
Excellent product, wish lithium ion version available
I purchased this for inshore kayaking as part of my emergency kit. Is it required by state or USCG? No. But it’s a small, relatively inexpensive thing to have. Of note, this comes with a distress flag, but no batteries. I would love to see lithium batteries available for this as alkaline batteries all leak with time so I’m a bit nervous about that, perhaps in he future a lithium ion version will be available. I was hoping this would fit in a pelican 1060 dry box, unfortunately it’s just a bit too large in diameter but I’ll make it work. I also have an ACR strobe on my PFD, glad a major manufacturer is making these now. Switch is easy enough to turn but also takes a deliberate effort, which reduces risk of accidental use and not being available when needed.
alan –
Better alternative
Much better than buying flares and checking expiration dates every season. Also what to do with expired flares of which I have many? Works great and very bright utilizing C rated batteries which are fairly common.
Roz –
Works well, could be brighter
It worked well but I returned it. Wish it had been brighter and felt less cheap. I decided to try another brand instead.
Raymond Abdale –
quick delivery
great alternative to expired flares
prabbit –
Perfect for what I need.
Easy to use. Takes 2 C batteries. It’s a bit pricey for what it as, as they all are for a coast guard approved SOS light. I picked this one from the others as it’s more sized like a flashlight. The others were much more bulky. I made a “coast guard” package for the boat with all the requirements in like a small lunch bag which fit everything perfectly.
wxbriefer –
Tired of buying flares!
Decided to buy this to meet the requirement of having “Fresh flares” on board. It is very bright and easy to use. I don’t know if other boaters will instantly respond to a flashing white strobe, but I’m sure that the 35+ year collection of “expired” Olin handheld and aerial flares will supplement this product nicely.
Neil Andersen –
Ideal
Meets USCG Requirements without an expiration in a few years.
Victoria Customer –
Works as expected. Feel much safer on the water.
Andrew McAuliffe –
The ACR ResQFlare met my expectations. It is light weight and very bright.
Roger Goldstone –
I was tired of having to replace expired flares on the boat. This doesn’t expire and meets USCG Regs.
Arthur T. –
latest technology
jean campeau –
works well but is only a flasshing light