Am I required to have a whistle in my kayak?

Question

I recently bought a kayak, and I know I have to have a PFD when paddling, but am I legally required to have a whistle or some other noisemaker? If I can blow a whistle, why not just yell at the top of my lungs? Can I use a kazoo instead of a whistle?

Answer 1

Please, a little common sense. Basic rules for kayak and canoe equipment have evolved pragmatically. A death occurs and then the reason for it is discovered. Stranded boaters are hard to find, most searches are by other boaters. A whistle is a simple tool that can be used to signal for help. Painters evolved into T grips after entanglement problems. A spare paddle is a godsend if you lose yours. Drownings occur which could have been avoided if the paddler had been properly equipped. Inquire of the American Canoe Association.

Answer 2

I'm not sure where you are from, but in California, a PFD, yes.  Whistles and kazoos, no.  The whistles that kayakers use are very very loud (to the point of being quite painful).  When you are paddling in whitewater or loud rushing water, you cannot hear the shouts of another person even a short distance away.  Rapids can be very loud and create an awful lot of background noise.  The whistles used for signaling can be heard at a much greater distance than the shouts of a human voice.  It might be fun to bring a kazoo along though, just make sure you don't get that little paper dealy on the inside wet.  That make for a heck of a bummer there Chet.

Happy boating.

Answer 3

yes it a very good idea my grandpa always has to carry one around when he is boating

stay safe!

Answer 4

I don't believe you're legally required to have one, but it is most wise to carry one with you at all times when you're kayaking, even if you're with someone else or in a group. Rapids, as I'm sure you know, are unpredictable and being washed away from a group would be terrifying without a noisemaker.

Kayaking whistles are extremely loud, emphasis on "extremely". It may actually hurt your ears to blow on it but if you are lost, it can be heard for quite a distance.

If you'd like to use a kazoo, use a kazoo. Just don't expect anyone to find you ... oh, and getting a kazoo wet renders it useless. :P

Best of luck - definitely do invest in a noisemaker. :)

Answer 5

No, I don't think you do! (At least not here, anyways!)