Squamish RCMP and SSAR are asking kayakers who have lost their watercraft in the water but who are themselves safe to report the lost kayak to local police.
"Kayakers sometimes need to abandon their kayaks for safety reasons such as treacherous conditions or obstacles. As a result, later passersby may discover the abandoned kayak, worry that a person has gone missing, and make a missing person report to police," reads a Squamish RCMP news release sent out Sept. 15.Reporting lost kayaks saves responders from deploying unnecessarily, thus saving valuable time and money that can be allocated to allow rescuers to help others.
The RCMP also asks kayakers to contact the local detachment if they find their vessel so it can be taken off the police database."Search and Rescue teams are highly skilled and a valued service. Our shared communications, including reporting, are key in helping responders plan resources," said Cpl. Angela Kermer of the Squamish RCMP in the release.
The local RCMP detachment can be reached at 604-892-6100.
