Environmentally protected switch for water activated devices

A method for activating a signalling device powered by a battery and adapted for use with a conductive fluid, the method comprising:

• providing an environmentally protected switch, said switch comprising
• a housing comprising an open end;
• and
• an elongate probe member received within said housing along a longitudinal axis thereof, said member comprising a first conductive tip portion and a second conductive portion adjacent said first conductive tip portion along a length of said member, said first conductive tip portion and said second conductive portion coupled to the signalling device for providing an electrical path connecting the battery and the signalling device, a tip of said probe member substantially flush with said open end;
• submersing said switch into the fluid;
• and
• agitating said switch to break a surface tension at an interface between the conductive fluid and said open end, thereby enabling the conductive fluid to penetrate said housing, the conductive fluid electrically interconnecting said first conductive tip portion and said second conductive portion thereby enabling an electrical current to flow between said first conductive tip portion and said second conductive portion for closing said electrical path and activating the signalling device.