An independent lifeboat service in Norfolk was delayed responding to an emergency after being informed it was illegal to use blue flashing lights.
Hemsby Independent Lifeboat's Broads Rescue service was called out to Acle Bridge shortly before 6.30pm on Thursday.
A man was reported to be in the water stuck between two boats and was unable to get out without assistance.
En route, the lifeboat crew's vehicle was held up on busy roads. Once the crew arrived, the man had been removed by other emergency services and was receiving medical assistance.
Last week, Hemsby Lifeboat received a letter from Norfolk Constabulary instructing them to refrain from using their blues and twos in an emergency.
The letter said if the lifeboat continued to use emergency lights or even had them attached to the vehicle, it could be liable for prosecution.
The only lifeboat service legally allowed the use of emergency lights is the RNLI.
HM Coastguard is working to see if legislation can be changed.
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Hemsby Lifeboat coxswain Daniel Hurd said the issue is becoming more urgent as roads get busier in the runup to summer.
"It's not even the start of the summer season, and we're already getting delayed," said Mr Hurd.
"Unless this is sorted soon someone is going to die."
During yesterday's call-out, Mr Hurd said although the crew were "not held up for long," the minutes lost waiting in traffic could have spelt disaster at Acle Bridge.
"Things are not looking good," Mr Hurd added.
"The summer season is coming and someone will die."
A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said HM Coastguard is working with the Department for Transport, tasking authorities and other UK Search and Rescue (SAR) organisations to create guidance and governance for SAR teams in relation to the use of blue lights and warning devices.
The spokesperson said: "Independent Lifeboat groups have never been allowed to use blue lights, so we are working to provide a mechanism for the recognition of SAR teams and a framework for them to operate within."
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