[Paddlewise] Flares

I was reading a simulated nighttime search and rescue operation
(  http://www.tassie.net.au/~lford/maatcm95.htm ) from the folks 'down
under'.

The woman playing the 'lost one' had some interesting comments about flares.
The parachute flares she was carrying required two hands and several steps
to set off, probably because of safety regulations :-(.  How would you
manage to do all that in really lumpy water?  (The authorities were notified
they would be setting flares off at such and such a time and area).

Later on, she set off a hand held and made the point she had to hold the
flare above her head to be seen which would have been fun in rough water.

I wonder how many carry their flares underneath the sprayskirt (me), know
how to use them if they have them (not me), have the skills and balance to
control the boat while they set them off in adverse conditions (not me), and
know if their flares expiration date has been reached (yeaaaa, I got that
one).
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