LI kayakers urged to label small craft
A paddleboat was found unmanned and adrift in the waters of Long Island Sound in 2010. Credit: U.S. Coast Guard
The growing popularity of kayaks and other small watercraft has resulted in a growing problem for the Coast Guard: more lost boats adrift that trigger searches when no one is missing.
So the agency is teaming up with the Coast Guard Auxiliary on an education campaign to make it easier to track down owners by placing personal identification stickers on vessels or otherwise labeling them, as well as their equipment.
While it may seem odd to begin the campaign in the winter with fewer kayakers on the water, Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound says it's dealing with a year-round problem: The most recent search-and-rescue case was last week across Long Island Sound in New Haven, Conn., apparently a false alarm.
"We've had eight cases of unmanned or adrift vessels in Long Island Sound since October," said Capt. Joseph Vojvodich, commander of the sector, which covers all of the Sound and other waters around Long Island.
"If there is a chance that someone is out there and in danger, we're launching," said Petty Officer 1st Class Anthony Kozak, a search controller. "Unfortunately, this means that we often spend a lot of time searching the water for people who are safe."
Kozak said 80 percent of the kayaks found adrift are owned by people who are not in danger.
The Coast Guard says that in fiscal year 2010, which ended in September, there were 76 cases of unmanned kayaks in Sector Long Island Sound waters; all triggered searches lasting from hours to several days. The total the previous year was 53. The Coast Guard says it costs about $400 for one small boat to search for one hour.
"Most people put their gear away for the winter, making now the perfect time to label everything with your contact information," Vojvodich said.
The Coast Guard suggests putting names and phone numbers on life jackets and paddles because they can trigger a search if found floating. While reflective ID stickers are available free from the auxiliary, "people can also use a waterproof marker to put ID information on their boat in a contrasting color," said Vincent Pica of Westhampton, district captain for the auxiliary on Long Island. "I can see people doing it," said Chris Boland, a salesman at Glacier Bay Sports in Centerport.
To get a sticker from a local auxiliary chapter, go to http://www.cgaux.org/vsc.
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