Yes, very sad.

I grew up paddling lake superior and several times ive been to the apostle islands. A very beautiful place with tons of black bear and mosquitos. That lake never warms up warm enough to swim. Ive seen ice floats as late as june and july. Ive seen 25+ ft waves in the winter months. Very sad to read this as its so fimilar, too fimilar in our sport and too close to a place i called home before TEXAS

Just another example of why we need paddle and kayak professionals making videos, not most of these new know nothings...

I was just looking into getting ACA certified to start teaching some courses in my spare time. I didn't see anything in Texas where you could get certified. Was fishing Naconiche this past Saturday and saw 8 people in kayaks and none of them legal, none with whistles, 4 without pfds on board. Never see any kayakers there with lights after dark. Tried to tell one of the parents in a nice way they are going to get nailed if game warden catches them. You know how that goes, they'll pizz and moan and say they didn't know.

Yes Very sad

A whistle is not a requirement to paddle on Naconiche. Not saying it's not a good idea, but it isn't required. You're a very knowledgeable kayaker, and you need to be accurate with information, because many others are watching and reading what you post. Trust me, I don't get on here that often these days, but I will read anything you post in the last 7 days when I do. You know what you are doing, and convey information well. And your posts are usually pretty interesting. Just sayin'....

Bass Art, regarding a whistle (or horn will do), are you saying this is a non-requirement for Naconiche in particular? I know they rent kayaks over on Purtis Creek, see people floating around in them all the time, most have PFDs that likely come with the rentals, but I doubt they have whistles.

But, for example, PC is exempted from the requirement that one need a fishing license to fish there (state park exemption). Are there other exemptions for safety equipment for certain lakes?

Brad

I stand corrected... I always go by Coast Guard Rules since they are more stringent and had completely forgotten the difference. I also didn't include an air horn as a signaling device that can be used instead of a whistle under Coast Guard Regulations.

PS... Never start a sentence with AND.

Isn't two adults and three kids over loading that kayak?

I didn't see anything on what kayak they were in or weight of folks in it. They probably watched Nanook of the North.

A whistle or horn is required in coastal waters and estuaries (within 50 miles of the coast, I believe) by Coast Guard regulations. Inland waters are controlled by the state, and every state is at least slightly different. In Texas, it's not required. But it is a very good idea, especially on public waters. A whistle can alert others if you are in distress and are not close enough to call for help. An air horn is even better, and could easily be heard over an outboard motor, but might not be reachable in the event you capsize.

This is a good conversation to have, if it makes people think about safety.

I believe the signaling device is required until the water narrows to two miles in width. From that point on same as if on a lake.
Always good to have a signaling device even if not needed.

IConn4,
Thanks for the video.
Always good to have a refresher.