Is A Whistle Required On A Kayak?

Fact Checked By James A Rockey | Post Updated On: November 28, 2022
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Kayakers are required to have a whistle on their boats. Kayakers need to be able to alert the coast Guard when they need help. If your fishing gear’s length is smaller than twelve meters, then you should invest in a whistle or probably a horn. The whistle will allow you to make efficient sound signals whenever you are experiencing poor visibility so that other kayakers may come to your rescue.  

Key Takeaways

  • If you are getting tired and need a break then you can use the whistle to alert the fellow kayakers
  • When you’re on the river and need to get help, a whistle will come in very handy
  • You must consider the purpose of the whistle before buying the whistle
  • The materials and designs that the whistles are made out of will determine how loud the sound will be

When To Blow Whistles in Kayak?

The answer is simple. If you want to be safe, don’t use these whistles unless you are in a very controlled environment with lots of safety measures.

Whistling helps beginners learn how to paddle and stay safe in the kayak while giving more advanced kayakers a chance to catch up.

Some Common Situations Might Be Good Moments For You To Blow Your Whistle:

1. You’re getting tired and need a break

2. You’re about to hit something or someone else on purpose (but be careful!)

3. When you hear other people screaming for help

4. When you’re on the river and need to get help, warn others that they should stop, or let them know it’s safe to move on, you might use your whistle as a “call for help.”

5. The way you whistle also depends on the type of waterway. If it’s a river or open waters, you would be whistling loudly as you’re traveling down the waterway with your head just below the surface of the water. If it’s a stream, then your whistle is quieter and doesn’t sound anything like a birdcall.

Is a Whistle Required on a Kayak?

Factors To Consider While Buying A Whistle

There are many factors to consider when it comes to buying a whistle. Some of them include the purpose, size, cost, material, and design.

Key Takeaways:

1. Consider the purpose of the whistle before buying it.

2. Choose a small size if you need to be discreet about what you are doing.

3. Consider your budget before purchasing a whistle.

4. The materials and designs that the whistles are made out of will determine how loud they can be.

5. Whistle carries a lot farther than your voice.

6. It is your responsibility to find the range of your whistle if you want to depend on that whistle.

The Best Kayak Whistle

LuxoGear’s durable, lightweight, and ultra-portable survival whistle is a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts. It has a 100% guaranteed life span and won’t break even when dropped. When you need it most, use it to save yourself or others from danger.

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Some Features To Look At:

1. Loud, audible whistle that will attract any passerby.

2. Ultra-slim design, can fit in your pocket or on your keychain.

3. The lanyard is adjustable for convenience.

4. Designed to be sleek and lightweight, it’s easy to tuck under a shirt but won’t get in the way.

5. Snap it onto your belt, backpack shoulder strap, or kayak life vest for easy accessibility.

6. Made from a high-strength plastic that’s durable and won’t rust or break.

7. Floatable and highly visible with bright colors

8. Safe for use in water and on land because of the reflective lanyard.

Tips To Kayak Safely (With Whistles And Other Stuff)

1. For confidential support on kayaks, call the National Kayak Helpline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit http://www. kayakhelpline.org/.

2. For support in the UK, contact the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details.

3. For information on buying kayaks in the U.K., visit the British Kayaks Association (UK) or the U.K. Kayaks Society (UK).

4. For more info on kayaking in the United States, visit www.kayakonline.org or the UK Kayak Society (U.S.)

5. Take note of the changing weather conditions. Before you go out kayaking during cold conditions, wear gears that keep you warm. On the other hand, if it is sunny, be sure to cover yourself well so that you don’t suffer from sunburns.

6. Watch out for the seaward winds, which can make it tricky for you to get back to the shore.

7. Make sure you pursue all the kayaking regulations in the location you are in.  

8. Avoid kayaking while under the influence of drugs. To be safe, wait until you are done with any prescription, then you will be alright to go kayaking.

9. Watch out not to surpass the recommended load capacity of your emotional kayak

10. Regularly inspect the fishing unit for any scratches before paddling.

11. Learn proper paddling skills and first aid tips from qualified personnel.

12. Always wear the personnel floatation device ( PFD) to stay safe in cases when your kayak capsizes.

13. When kayaking in rivers or side zones, wear a helmet because they are perfect locations for dangerous animals such as sharks.

14. Ensure you keep hydrated as you paddle

15. In case you are kayaking in new locations, make sure you consult with the locals to get to know about the currents and weather patterns.  It will be helpful for you to establish safe routes if the unexpected happens.

References:

  • https://hydropursuit.com/is-it-required-to-have-a-whistle-on-a-kayak-solved/
  • https://www.edgarsnyder.com/blog/2015/08/17-rules-for-boaters-kayakers.html

 

Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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