A lot of people don't think about safety when purchasing their first kayak. They figure they'll just go out and take their time, nothing fast, and paddle normally. That's usually the case with most people. They're impatient because they can't wait to get out and enjoy the water.
When I got my Hobie Outback kayak in September 2009, I wanted to go out so bad, but couldn't because I didn't have the proper gear - no life vest, safety mast with flag, and no white light. Having used my Dad's big boat (a 23 ft. Grady White) on a few occasions, I knew he had his safety gear on board up front inside the cuddy cabin, and even he wasn't stupid enough to go out without the required gear!
So, what does all this have to do with "being seen"? We often take for granted, that when we're out on the water, our kayaks are close enough to shore that the bigger boats will go around us. This isn't always the case. Most responsible boaters will avoid us and steer clear of what we're doing - whether it be fishing or paddling. Then, there are some who just don't care and will often "show off" for their friends by trying to splash you, or worse, try to flip you over. YOUR safety is obviously none of THEIR concern.
There are a few ways to deter such incidents and I will go in order of necessity. These are the most important as far as your safety is concerned. Let's start at the top.
1.) Life Vest - A lot of people don't realize the importance of a good quality life vest. This could mean the difference between a life saved at sea, or the unfortunate knock on the door by law enforcement informing your loved ones that you won't be coming home today. My life vest is a bright yellow. They come in a variety of colors, so pick out the color you like best, and keep it on whenever you're on the water - regardless of how hot it is outside. Unexpected surprises are just that - a "surprise" when you least expect it!
*In early 2016 in Connecticut, there were 6 fatalities concerning kayakers - and ALL were not wearing life vests or dry suits, as the water is still a chilly 50 degrees in April/May.
2.) Safety Mast with Flag - Why? Because it will mean the difference of being a "target" out on the water without one, or being seen by other boaters with one. When I'm out on the water, usually saltwater, the seas can go from 1-2 ft swells (mild seas), to a hairy 4-6 ft swells (rough seas) in a matter of hours, thanks to the weather. For every drop you encounter inside the lowest point in a swell, you & your kayak, literally "disappear" from another boater's view. With my mast that I made, I cut the PVC pole to 50", because when it sits in its holder on my gear crate, it is literally 12" above the water, then the mast makes it sit 62" high. The pole is mostly white, with the top 8" marked out with reflective red & white tape, then below the tape I have a 9" x 12" orange safety flag that aids in keeping me visible in all directions. The purpose of the reflective tape, helps amateur boaters that use a spotlight at night, aids me in standing out in the black of night (I also have 1"x 2" white reflective strips above the water line, from front to back, on the sides of my kayak, and around the top of my gear crate as well).
2b.) An earlier version of the safety mast I made using a 12"x 12" safety flag from Cabela's. Notice how the flash makes the reflective taped area glow. Great for unlit parking areas when an oncoming motorist pulls in, because they will see the mast first.
2c.) The difference is clear. My tan kayak (flag). My friend in a red kayak in the back (no flag). Photo taken by Mona Rodriguez, a kayak fishing club member, from shore at Monahan's/State Pier #5 in Narragansett,RI, over a quarter mile out.
3.) White Light - Now, during the daytime when the sun is out, you won't need this feature. But when it's foggy, sunset, or pitch black dark outside, federal requirements say you NEED this light on. If you feel that you don't need this feature at night, you may have a surprise visit at the parking area by the local Game Warden looking to hand out a fine of $75 (or, more) for Improper Lights or Failure to Display Lights, depending on your state's boating laws. YakAttack & Scotty both make lighted safety masts with flags, but their flags look more like a sock, and the white light puts out a dismal yellow color. They are priced around $65 - $75. The big problem here, is their "masts" aren't very tall at 30" in height. While USCG regulations require you to have a 360ยบ white light visible in all directions, you need to insure proper placement in order for that to happen, otherwise your body may block the light from being shown when lit. I can show you how to make a lighted safety mast with flag for under $50. The most expensive part is this kit from Attwood Marine (Wal-Mart) which is around $30. Unbelievably bright for an LED light, and the 3 AAA batteries will last a long time. The nice thing about this kit, is the light can be taken off, because you don't need it during the daytime.
Part 1 - Lighted Safety Mast:
http://kayakfishingcountry.blogspot.com/2012/12/how-to-make-your-own-lighted-mast.html
Part 2 - Adding a Flag to your Lighted Safety Mast:
http://kayakfishingcountry.blogspot.com/2012/12/adding-orange-flag-to-your-lighted.html
This is what the mast should look like when it's done. If you can't find the flag, you can find a similar flag at Home Depot, but you may have to cut it down. Look under "safety flags" at Home Depot. You can also buy one online at the link provided below.
Go here for safety flags: http://www.homedepot.com/s/safety%2520flags?NCNI-5
Photo 1: Finished product.
Photo 2: When the light is lit.
Photo 3: Flag in use at Rocky Point Park in Warwick,RI (daytime).
Photo 4: Sunset at Fort Adams in Newport, RI (night time).
[Photo credit above: Mona Rodriguez]
[Photo credit above: Mona Rodriguez]
The whole point to this article is in order to "Be Safe", you must first "Be Seen". As always, keep those lines wet & tight!
