U.S. Coast Guard Operation Paddle Smart
Commander, First Coast Guard District
408 Atlantic Avenue
Boston, MA 02110
With the increase of paddle craft enthusiasts getting
out on the water, the number of vessels found adrift without an operator
has also increased. Unlike larger recreational or commercial vessels which
share in the fortunate benefit of hull registration numbers and a vessel
name that allow for the owner to be identified, paddle craft
characteristically do not have identifying features that allow for the
owner to be contacted.
Without contact information the Coast Guard and other rescue responders
have no way of determining whether or not an individual is in distress or
if the vessel simply drifted away from its mooring.
As a result the Coast Guard spends hundreds of hours and thousands
of dollars each year engaged in search and rescue operations for cases
where there was no one was in danger.
In an effort to counter this problem the Coast Guard and
Coast Guard Auxiliary have teamed up to launch Operation Paddle Smart. The
goal of Operation Paddle Smart is to educate paddle craft owners on
boating safety and provide a free water-proof "If Found" identification
sticker to place on the paddle craft.
The "If Found" stickers allow owners to provide minimal but vital
contact information needed by rescuers if the vessel is found adrift.
Contact your local Coast Guard
Station or Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla to obtain your free "If Found"
sticker and boating safety material.
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U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary: Operation Paddle
Smart 2009
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