Re: [Paddlewise] flares

In a message dated 12/20/98 2:03:34 PM Eastern Standard Time,
saul_at_isomedia.com writes:

<< As far as signaling deivices, all of my lifejackets have a "C" cell type of
strobe attached along with flares in a ziplock. <snip>  I have to admit that
it concerns me a bit that in Dave's mention of the river pilot, the Coast
Guard didn't see the strobe <snip> I check the strobes at the start of each
trip  <snip> The signaling devices are nice, but it's even better to avoid the
problem in the first place.
  >>

Roger the last as most important, but, as a pilot, I had a routine to check my
strobe before every flight --- and, one night, found that the light had been
activated in the locker and was dead.  Quick change at the parachute rigger's
locker, and I was okay for the night.

I'm also very surprised that the Coast Guard did not see the strobe.  I've
flown a lot of SAR missions, and have always hoped that the guy I was looking
for had his --- and that he'd preflighted the little hummer.  It's always been
the thing I've wanted to see out there on a dark night.  That and <lots> of
retroreflective tape on stuff that sticks out of the water.  Shoulders,
sleeves, PFD straps.

As to strobes, they're not all the same.   The ACR Firefly series of strobes
are the best, and I'd strongly recommend the very small new unit that takes
off-the-shelf lithium batteries vice the bigger and very expensive cartridge
batteries --- mercury?
The type that's okayed for diving is the best in our wet sport.

Glad to see so many people carrying them!

Jack Martin
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