KAYAK DIVERS > GEAR > SAFETY

PLB / EPIRB: Satellite based personal distress, location and tracking beacons. In the event of an emergency these provide the best possible chance of being found. They are very much a last resort and should only be used in situations of grave and imminent danger. Unwarranted activation can lead to prosecution and everyone thinking you're a knob. GOOD: PLB's / EPIRB's provide the best chance of being found in a dire emergency. BAD: It is if you ever have to set one of these off. REMEMBER: It would be far worse if you didn't have one. Flares: Flares are a good distress signal but there's no guarantee they'll be seen, especially in remote areas. Can be a good seconary aid as you'll probably see your rescuers before they see you. GOOD: They look good when set off and will take your mind of your grim situation for a few seconds. BAD: They only last a few seconds and then leave you in the dark. REMEMBER: Even if someone sees them they might be stupid and not call it in. Strobe: They're not a distress signal but will aid your location when used in conjunction with other signals or devices. GOOD: Short range visual locator. BAD: Can't be seen in poor visability. REMEMBER: Cheap ones are crap and probably won't work when needed. First Aid Kits: Minor injurys are most likely to occur on the beach, especially if it's made out of spikey bits of rock and slippery seawead. Kits are best kept simple and it's worth considering how effective standard items are out on the water. GOOD: For minor wounds and injuries. BAD: The use of conventional kits is limited in the kayak and salt water environment. REMEMBER: Keep them simple and make them up yourself, catering for the wet marine environment. Gaffer tape is ace. Most first aid "experts" are as clued up as a sheep.