Safety, how to increase your chance of being rescued if all else fails

I was at a happy hour with a bunch of Coast Guard talking to a Vice Admiral who was very interested in kiting.

I asked him if the CG had any issues with the kiting community, and he answered immediately "Don't wear black or blue unless it is your plan to be buried in it. You guys are out there without any reflective tape, strobes or bright colors, which means that if you are separated from your kite, we are NOT going to find you day or night" Anyone who has tried to locate a swimmer at sea knows he is right.

If your fashion sense does not allow for canary yellow or blaze orange, you may want a small strobe, though I have not figured out how to carry one:
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SiteSearch?Ns=Most Popular|0
The ACR rapid fire strobe at $27 is the most cost effective option with a manual on/off (the auto strobes turn on when in contact with water)

If you wear a helmet, reflective tape might be smart. I am always amazed at how well it works when finding Nav aids or moorings at night. http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SiteSearchView?store... Flags, Mirrors Dye
Does nothing in daylight.

Lasers would work day and night, and are pictured on the link above.

Dyes work during the day http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?produ...

If you were to choose a particularly dangerous kiting activity (offshore winds, high current situations, crossings) you might want a satellite transponder or personal epirb.

SPOT Transnponder $149 + monthly fee of $10 - $20 (functions: 911, help, traking, I'm OK) http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?produ...

I have one, but only because I use it for offshore sailing. I have yet to use it kiting, bt would in the conditions listed above.

personal epirb $370 and up, no monthly fee (functions: 911 only) http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SiteSearchView?store... Locator Beacons

No pulpit, just food for thought

W