each of the switching positions 40 a 40 h on the base 14 to determine which switch positions 40 a 40 h are closed and which single switch position 40 a 40 h is open the control circuit 36 has programming that includes a discrete set of instructions that corresponds to each of the possible switching configurations and uses the instruction set corresponding to each particular switch position to illuminate the lighting elements 38 in a particular manner or pattern for example the first position 40 a has an instruction set that provides an off position where all non control functions of the light 10 are de energized other positions include illumination of a discrete number of the lighting elements 38 to provide a high 40 b and low 40 b illumination of the white lighting elements 38 c further the instructions included with other positions of the switch include programming that provides a blinking sos pattern 40 d of the white lights 38 c red light only 38 a red yellow flash 40 f where the control circuit 36 cycles an alternating red light 38 a yellow light 38 b flashing pattern a red yellow white flash 40 g.