Un-marked kayak caused unnecessary search

Coast Guard Suspends Search for Missing Kayaker

Posted: Mar 03, 2010 7:43 AMUpdated: Mar 03, 2010 8:16 AMCAPITOLA, Calif. - The Coast Guard is urging those who take to the waters to mark their boats and kayaks. This follows a massive search that they say could have easily been prevented.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Coast Guard responded to a distress call after a kayak washed ashore in Capitola. They then launched a search for the kayaker, only to realize hours later, the owner had been found on Sunday. His kayak was just never recovered.

This comes off the heels of a new program the Coast Guard just launched called "Operation Paddle Smart."

They encourage boat owners to apply this water-proof sticker with their name and contact info, so any missing items can be returned and they can prevent any more events like this from happening.