It might. Personally, I would want the strobe on at all times, along with a flag. That way you have better and night visibility. Also, carry a radio set to scan channels 13 and 16.
One time, I was coxing a youth group rowing around Manhatten. I spotted a power boat coming up Buttermilk Channel [between Governor's Island and Brooklyn] and attempted to hail him as he was headed directly toward us. I made sure we were on 16 and called several tunes [The Coast Guard and Marine Police monitor 16.] Finally, I called him and said that if he got any closer, we would board him with knives in our teeth. He sheered off. We reported his registration number and the name on his transom to the Coasties.