PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — As the boating season gets under way in Maine, the Coast Guard is asking owners of kayaks and other small craft to use stickers or other means to identify their boats.
The Coast Guard told the Portland Press Herald that attaching information including the boat’s owner and where that person can be reached is part of its Operation Paddle Smart safety program.
When the Coast Guard learns of an unattended boat adrift, it assumes the paddler has fallen overboard and launches a search. An identifying sticker would help the Coast Guard find the boat owner and decide whether a search is needed.
Stickers will be included in safety packs to be distributed at a Coast Guard open house April 25 in South Portland.
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