1. Keep it On
It might be tempting to stow your life jacket, or personal flotation device, away until an emergency, but sea kayaking requires it be worn at all times. There's little opportunity to get your life jacket on after the kayak has capsized, and if you capsized due to high winds, your kayak could be long gone before you get your bearings. There's also a good chance that waves will rip the life jacket from your hands before you can get it on. Put your life jacket on while you're standing on dry land, and don't take it off until you're back on solid ground.
2. A Drop in the Kayak
If your kayak fills with water, you'll need to quickly empty it out before the kayak becomes too heavy. Invest in a high-capacity electric, hand-held or deck-mounted pump. A pump quickly empties water without requiring you to open your spray skirt. Use a large sponge to sop up small amounts of water. Securely store your pump on the kayak, but also have it readily available in case of an emergency. Be aware that a water-filled hand-held pump will sink, so it needs to be tethered to the kayak. Storing a bailing container is a good idea in case your pump fails.
3. Float Your Line
Keep a nylon towline stored in your kayak, but don't forget that nylon sinks. A braided line or parachute cord works great for towing another kayak. Use a piece of closed-cell foam to keep your towline afloat. Attach the towline to yourself, preferably to a harness, so the line doesn't pull on your kayak as you paddle. Make sure your line is approximately 50 feet so you can keep adequate space between the kayaks to avoid collision.
4. Be Seen
Your chances of rescue greatly increase if you have a way to signal searchers. Inexpensive locating devices that work both in daylight and darkness include hand-held and aerial flares, orange distress flags, air horns and signaling mirrors. Your daytime options also include dye markers and smoke cannisters. A strobe light could save your life during the night. A more expensive option is an emergency position indicating radio beacon, or EPIRB. These beacons send out a distress signal to the coast guard with your approximate location.
5. Two is Better Than One
Keep a spare of essential items, such as paddles, compasses, charts and tide tables with you. Make sure the compasses are kept on different kayaks so they don't interfere with each other. It's a good idea for at least three people to carry compasses, so you can confirm their accuracy if one isn't reading correctly.
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