Kayak Safety Flags

[NoBozo]

SP I think it makes perfect Common Sense for a kayaker ...or anyone else on the water to protect themselves in anyway they see fit. The problem I have is Making it a LAW. The key here is common sense. The kayaker...and Anyone Else out there has to take some responsibility for their OWN saftey..rather than leave it to Nanny to hold their hand when the going gets rough.

For example, as you know there is NO Requirement for you to carrry a radio in a small plane. Some of the older planes don't have an electrical system to support one. However, every small plane pilot I've met has at least a handheld radio in the cockpit...even though he is NOT Mandated to do so. It's just the Prudent thing to do. Nb

[upthesaukee]

When I came into Alton Bay last week heading to Parker's, we were just inside Sandy Point and saw two kayakers near the bandstand. The reason I saw them from just inside Sandy Point was the fact both Kayaks had orange pennants on about a 4 ft pole. As we passed each other by the bandstand, I thanked them for having and using the flags, and told them how far away I was when I noticed the flags. I would guess he appreciated the info.

[Lucky1]

One of the reasons I use an orange kayak is to try to be seen. Most of the time I try to stay near to the shore whenever possible.
I may investigate a flag. However, I assume that if a boater hits a swimmer, or a kayaker or sailor or sailboat etc, there will be a legal process. IT IS THE DUTY OF THE BOATER TO MAKE SURE HE IS NOT TOO NEAR AND GOING TOO FAST TO SAILORS, KAYAKERS, SWIMMERS ETC. It is not open season on others in the water so that any boater can do as he or she wishes. No headway speed within so many feet or whatever the different rules are.
Actually, would someone happen to know the rules for boaters regarding other persons and boats etc in the water?

[Mee-n-Mac]

Originally Posted by Lucky1

One of the reasons I use an orange kayak is to try to be seen. Most of the time I try to stay near to the shore whenever possible.
I may investigate a flag. However, I assume that if a boater hits a swimmer, or a kayaker or sailor or sailboat etc, there will be a legal process. IT IS THE DUTY OF THE BOATER TO MAKE SURE HE IS NOT TOO NEAR AND GOING TOO FAST TO SAILORS, KAYAKERS, SWIMMERS ETC. It is not open season on others in the water so that any boater can do as he or she wishes. No headway speed within so many feet or whatever the different rules are.
Actually, would someone happen to know the rules for boaters regarding other persons and boats etc in the water?

I don't find it all that hard to spot kayaks and canoes. Less visible than a boat ... sure, but certainly visible at 1000' or more, assuming the person at the wheel is paying attention. I find that the kayak color helps but only a little. More visible is the persons body and head and especially the blades. Flashy blades, moving*, are very easy to see. If kayakers wore blaze orange (or equivalent) PFDs that would (IMO) be sufficient for all ... except Capt B.


*think of a cyclist with reflectors in the pedals at night. No doubt what they are when you see them. So does anyone make LED paddles for night-time kayaking ???

[Kracken]

Originally Posted by Lucky1

One of the reasons I use an orange kayak is to try to be seen. Most of the time I try to stay near to the shore whenever possible.
I may investigate a flag. However, I assume that if a boater hits a swimmer, or a kayaker or sailor or sailboat etc, there will be a legal process. IT IS THE DUTY OF THE BOATER TO MAKE SURE HE IS NOT TOO NEAR AND GOING TOO FAST TO SAILORS, KAYAKERS, SWIMMERS ETC. It is not open season on others in the water so that any boater can do as he or she wishes. No headway speed within so many feet or whatever the different rules are.
Actually, would someone happen to know the rules for boaters regarding other persons and boats etc in the water?

This comment is a very good reason why all boaters including Kayakers, Rowboaters and canoeist should need to take a boaters education class.

Power boaters do need watch out and give way for vessels with limited maneuverability (like a kayak). However, anyone sharing the water needs to take responsibility for their actions. Don’t assume you have the right of way. A power boater running down a kayaker will most likely be legally found at fault, but that would NOT mean much if there were a fatality involved.

We absolutely can get along, but we all need to take responsibility for ourselves our vessels and everyone else sharing the water.

[Rattlesnake Guy]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

When I came into Alton Bay last week heading to Parker's, we were just inside Sandy Point and saw two kayakers near the bandstand. The reason I saw them from just inside Sandy Point was the fact both Kayaks had orange pennants on about a 4 ft pole. As we passed each other by the bandstand, I thanked them for having and using the flags, and told them how far away I was when I noticed the flags. I would guess he appreciated the info.

It's funny but I saw them also. I was in the car traveling up 11 and mentioned to RG how visible they were out in the bay. I agree with Mee-N-Mac about the various options that kayakers have to make themselves visible. A couple orange blades go a long way to getting noticed.

[OCDACTIVE]

How about registration for kayaks, canoes, paddle boats etc? It takes just as much effort for the Marine Patrol to rescue and they have as many rights as power / sail boaters when on the lake... Only seems right, provided it doesn't get moved into the general fund to close the budget gap.. Just IMO.

[robmac]

I agree all boats power,sail and paddle should all be held to the same safety and registration requirements. There is no discount in cost to help or save anyone out on the water as safety is paramount. We all need to participate in doing our best to insure we and our families are safe on the waterways of NH. Asking all to pay a fair share is not only fair but responsible. IMHO

[ApS]

Originally Posted by OCDACTIVE

How about registration for kayaks, canoes, paddle boats etc...provided it doesn't get moved into the general fund to close the budget gap.

1) Who thinks that possibility could ever happen?

2) This year, I have just one opinion on this proposal.

ETA:
August 14th, I saw a boat towing a tube with the red flag flying directly in front of the helm. Why he thought he needed it is unknown, as the bright neon-green tube was taller than the boat that was towing it!

61 posts in this thread...