Aside from direct supervision at a recreational facility, safety signs, if designed properly, are the most effective approach to facility safety. This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of various sign designs: (l) multiple concepts with text; (2) single concept with text; and (3) single concept with graphics. A discussion of recall and short term memory is included. College students (N=53) were divided into 3 groups. Group A was exposed to a single concept sign with text; group B was shown a single concept pictorial display; and group C was shown a traditional multiple safety concepts sign. The students were then asked several questions using a whole report method in order to test for recall. The results suggest that single-concept graphic signs provide the strongest visual signal to the observer. The results also imply that educators and recreational facility managers need to re-evaluate their signs, regardless of the activity or recreational site, to maximize and convey the correct safety messages to participants. (LL)