What symbol is often found on top of a safe-water mark?

The symbol that is typically found on top of a safe-water mark is a red ball. Safe-water marks are used in navigation to indicate that there is navigable water all around the mark, and they serve as a reference point for sailors or boat operators. The red ball specifically signifies this safe-water area, helping mariners fish, dock, or navigate through channels without the risk of running aground or encountering hazards in the water.

In maritime navigation, other shapes and colors serve different purposes, but the red ball is universally recognized as an indicator of safety and clear passage. The design and color coding of navigational aids are based on standard practices to ensure that all boaters can easily interpret what the markers indicate, and the presence of a red ball on top of a safe-water mark is a vital element of this system.