Sendem

Can I chip in here as a Coastguard ? If you are doing something "odd" in the sea then it is very likely that some passerby will call the Coastguard, convinced that they are saving you from a watery death, when all they are doing is interrupting your fishing. The Coastguard, having been told that there is a man drowning, cannot say "Naw, you're just exaggerating. Don't believe you." We have to do something and prove it is a false alarm. So the minimum response is to send a land based unit round to have a look and talk face to face with the person who called us. Something to bear in mind when you are on the coast or at sea is " Will an ordinary person, watching me from the road, think I am in trouble." Fly fishing from a kayak looks like waving for help, for example. So I would suggest that if you are going to do something odd, which might be misinterpreted, give the coastguard a phone call and tell them where and when. For the kayakers, carry a marine VHF (and learn how to use it properly) so you can either call for help if you need it or reduce confusion by updating your positon/activity. You are not the only ones to cause false alarms, but much can be done to reduce them. If you are going to do something "unusual" then tell the coastguard in advance; they can't stop you and they will be gratefull to be informed.