One of my favorite safety items that I have taken with me since my sea kayak days is a "Dye Maker" It is a coast guard approved dye marker that when it breaks create a huge orange stain in the ocean, as the current takes you there becomes a visible trail from the sky. If you are ever offshore or even fish the ocean this a must have

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Environmentally Safe
Excellent Daytime Signal
Waterproof Container
Each container covers up to 250 sq. feet
(2) 1 oz containers


Locate Signals: attract attention day or night and serve as a beacon to stain sea water and identify your position. To keep rescuers on course, it is recommended you carry a minimum of 6 hand-held signals and 6 aerial signals.

Great daytime signal! Packed in a waterproof container, our green dye is easily visible for all aircraft. The perfect emergency accessory for any boater.

The sea dye marker is a lifesaving device used for sea rescue. This product is procured by the United States armed services for use on all military aircraft and vessels. The marker is also purchased by boat owners for additional protection in case of emergencie

The sea survival marker contains a fluorescent green sea dye which spreads over the surface of the water so as to increase ones visibility for a pilot to see. The marker can easily be placed in a a life vest pocket or life raft safety kits. The rescue sea dye will stain the ocean water to assist and attract attention to your location to rescuers and will provide valuable assistance in a life-threatening situation.

The bright green pattern on the water can be seen for a mile or more and lasts for 30 to 40 minutes. Wind and the choppiness of the water will effect the shape of the pattern. Will help rescuers trace you in open seas.

A field test study was done by Powerboat Reports in their October 1995 issue. They tested flares, steamers, mirrors, and smoke flares, as well as the dye marker. Powerboat felt the marker was the most effective tool for sea rescue.

One should always keep in mind that, in the event of an emergency on the open seas, it is important to have as many rescue devices as possible on hand for your safety and survival.

http://preparedness.com/flgrdyemapa.html

The Life Vest is my favorite safety equipment That I own, not only will it keep me afloat if I become seperated from my kayak but it is yellow and very visible from the air if air rescue needs to spot me.
The reason why I like the vest so much is it is by far the best way to stay above water and visible, and also warm if the water is a bit cold. I would not wear a dark color like green or blue because they blend in all to well with my surroundings.I want to stay visible.
I can't understand why anyone would complain that they hate to wear this magnificent piece of protection on the water.Some of my buddies tell me that the reason they don't like wearing their vest is because it is too bulky or it is a hinderance. I believe they are beneficial and if you get properly fitted for it it wouldn't be so bad. Take the time to get fit properly. It is a lifesaver. There are many times I am on open water and I see people out on their watercrafts without a life jacket. Especially children, what is wrong with some parents these days?? It only takes a few seconds for a mishap to occur.
I absolutely hate it having to kayak with someone who doesn't like to wear their life jacket! If they fall out of their kayak guess who has to put their own life in danger to rescue them! ME!!!
Enough said. Be Safe and always wear your life jackets!!

A clear head and my favorite PFD

What's between my ears, common sense.

I like to take my SOG


Nate

JonS wrote:
What's between my ears, common sense.

Word...

My ditch bag. It's a Macgyver starter kit with medical supplies thrown in.
Enough crap to get me through.