Kayak Safety

[reefman]

I'm not a kayaker but i witnessed an event that really opened my eyes yesterday. I was fishing in the surf at Fairfield beach and as a boat passed by I heard a man shouting for help. Looking out I could see a red kayak probably 200 yards offshore. I would guess the boat passed within 100 yards of the guy and never saw or heard him. I called 911 and within minutes a police boat was on the scene and rescued him. Before the police boat arrived the first boat turned around and once again didn't hear or see the man. Even the police boat had trouble finding him until a cop on the beach radioed instructions. All of this took place in broad daylight with perfect visibility. Just a reminder that lack of visibility and being heard over an outboard engine are real concerns for you guys. After seeing that yesterday I would not hit the water in a kayak without some handheld flares. They are lite, take up no room and might be a real lifesaver if it really hits the fan out there