Anyone advise on emergency alert devices?

On Wed, 28 Jun 2006 08:59:03 +0100, Peter Clinch
<p.j.clinch.DeleteThis@dundee.ac.uk> wrote:

>> For a farly new canoeist in the likes of Poole harbour, what is an
>> appropriate emergency alert device to carry? Orange smoke flares? I
>> guess an epirb is a bit over-the-top unless you are out on the sea,
>> yes?
>
>Flares are standard kit, but usually a selection (smoke, torch and
>parachute). If you're problem is being stuck after it starts getting
>dark then smoke alone won't really help.

Thanks. What about visibility devices? Apart from a floursecent PFD
are things like floursecent stuff to pour on the water and floursecent
fabric to trail in the water worth bothering with? I suppose the more
such devices you carry, the better, yes?

Al Deveron
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Al Deveron wrote:

> Thanks. What about visibility devices? Apart from a floursecent PFD
> are things like floursecent stuff to pour on the water and floursecent
> fabric to trail in the water worth bothering with?

Speaking from what I see amongst my more experienced friends, reflective
trim on the boat is popular, and strobe lights than can be held in the
hand, attached to the boat or the BA/PFD. I have one which cost about a
fiver from Lidl in one of their occasional marine bargain bins, and it's
fine.

I've not seen anyone taking flouro dyes or fabric drags (I imagine the
latter would quite possibly get in the way Big Time).

> I suppose the more such devices you carry, the better, yes?

Not necessarily: they all have to be put somewhere accessible and
ultimately more clutter might make the difference between going in or
not, or rolling or not.

You might consider a waterproof VHF radio (and associated knowledge)
which will often be a better way of making the initial alert, though
visibility devices will be handy for the actual pickup.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net p.j.clinch DeleteThis @dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
 >> Stay informed about: Anyone advise on emergency alert devices?