Each year the Maine Warden Service and Maine Marine Patrol respond to many calls of unoccupied canoes, kayaks and rowboats found floating on the water. Without owner information on a vessel/paddle craft, it can be difficult for first responders to confirm if someone is in need of rescue on the water or if the boat simply drifted away from shore without a passenger.
People should always label their vessel/paddle craft with an “IF FOUND” sticker to help first responders efficiently determine if an emergency exists, prevent unnecessary and expensive searches, and enable their paddle craft to be returned if lost. They should fill in their contact information with a waterproof marker, according to a news release from Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
Stickers are available for free while supplies last at MDIFW Augusta Headquarters, 353 Water St., Augusta; and at MDIFW Region A Office, 15 Game Farm Road, Gray.
For more information, visit maine.gov.
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