Pleas for boaters, kayakers and canoeists to carry flares

30/05/2023

Coastguards and water police in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean are urging boaters, kayakers and canoeists to carry flares.

Police at Long Island, New York, put it simply following tragic incidents where two boaters have gone missing within two weeks.

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison says, “These tragedies have to stop and it could be something of a simple fix. Making sure you have a flare on your boat.”

Around the United States, during National Boater Safety Week, Coast Guards have been reinforcing the importance of flares, lifejackets and other lifesaving equipment.

Without having the required safety gear when the unexpected occurs, people risk having accidents that could have been prevented, say Coast Guards in Panama City, Florida.

Canadian police urged water sports and outdoors enthusiasts to carry a survival kit including flares. Their comments came after a canoeist was rescued by a helicopter crew at Sturgeon River, north of Sudbury, in Northern Ontario, following a distress call after the man became stranded when his canoe tipped over.

Marine safety equipment helped save lives in the Caribbean when a 41-foot yacht Palma took on water and led to a rescue by Montserrat Police.

The five-member party, which included a dog, were instructed to abandon ship and board mv Heliconia Star.

They had been sailing from St Kitts to Guadeloupe when the incident occurred seven nautical miles north of Montserrat.

Designated Person Ashore Courtney Rodney, emphasised the importance of having saving equipment on board, including flares, a working radio, and life jackets, as once again, they proved vital in saving the lives of the rescue party.

The image is credited to Royal Montserrat Police’s Facebook page.