Will Superman come to my rescue?
Not if he can’t find you. Marine radios work well. Cell phones do not get service on the Bay. Well sometimes they do, but there are so many variables it would be virtually negligent to rely on one.

There are lots of recreational boats around on the weekends and a few Coast Guard boats patrol the 21 000km2, but they’re not looking for you. Even if they do see you, they may not know you need help. Be prepared to signal with a horn, flares, mirror, smoke signals, carrier pigeon, and whatever other means you had the foresight to take with you. Whistles are nice, but let’s face it, wind, boat motors, and wandering minds can make them inaudible.

There is no 911 on the water.

Will I get wind / weather bound?

The Bay, she has a mind of her own. Get a forecast (ask a local and see the links page) and watch the sky. Weather on the water can be very different from the weather inland. The Bay can also change her mind with short notice. Be prepared to make the safe decisions.
Small craft warnings are a regular occurrence. Good news is, sea-kayaks are made to handle what many small boats can not. Bad news is, the boat won’t make up for lack of training, experience, or judgment.

Anecdotal stories always seem to involve the home stretch. Accidents happen when they’re trying to make it back to that hot shower / meeting / favourite sit-com. Don’t let the desire to “get back” cloud your judgment. Take it as a gift from the gods... just a little longer out on the Bay. In fact, you may soon be wishing for bad weather: “sorry boss...”

Other Boaters

Watch out for speed boats, sailboats, personal watercraft (e.g., Sea-doo), tankers, cruise liners, and the lock ness monster. Oh, maybe not that last one. Make sure you’re visible, and when in doubt, get out of the way.