Kayaks, paddle boards and other paddling vessels have become quite popular within the RV and camping communities. Its hard not to notice all of the brightly-colored kayaks, paddle boards, rafts and canoes adorning the tops of trucks and cars or secured on the backs of RV’s. Unfortunately though, most kayakers and paddlers aren’t aware of the safety measures that will keep them afloat instead of becoming a statistic.
In this blog, we’re providing a little Public Service Announcement about something we’ve dealt with, especially in the summer months, during our Coast Guard tours of duty. So, please don’t mind us as we don our preverbal blue uniforms to share some information that could potentially save your life on the water.
First, before we get on with our lifesaving tips, we’d like to discuss BOAT IDENTIFICATION…
According to Coast Guard sources, each report requiring a response of a Coast Guard Search and Rescue crew looking for the owner of the derelict vessel takes countless hours and over $110,000 per case.
Coast Guard “Billions” Wasted in Unmanned Kayak Reports
These are not trouble makers in the definition of ‘derelict’. However, lost kayaks and canoes are a huge headache for those who search hours and even days for potential missing persons simply because their kayaks were found washed up on a beach or floating upside down.
If you already own or when you get your kayak, we suggest you print your name and immediate contact info in permanent marking on and inside your vessel where it can be clearly identified. For reassurance, cover it in clear tape to help prevent it from rubbing off.
Doing that, your craft is identifiable in case of loss or theft. But more importantly, you’ve helped mitigate using Coast Guard and local authorities search and rescue assets and resources.
