What is the primary purpose of an inland waters obstruction marker?

The primary purpose of an inland waters obstruction marker is to alert boaters of hazardous areas. These markers are specifically designed to notify boaters of potential dangers in the water, such as underwater rocks, wrecks, or other obstructions that could pose a risk to navigation or safety. By indicating these hazards, the markers help prevent accidents and ensure that boaters can navigate safely by avoiding areas where collisions or grounding may occur.

This focus on safety is crucial for maintaining a secure boating environment, as navigating around obstructions is essential to prevent damage to vessels and injury to individuals. Other options, such as marking fishing zones, indicating safe swimming areas, or showing navigational channels, may serve different purposes but do not specifically relate to the function of obstruction markers.