ISLANDERS are being urged to ensure their water crafts are properly secured after a drifting kayak sparked an emergency call out this morning.
The Coastguard, police and Fire and Rescue Service were called out following reports of an unidentified object in the water off the south-west coast.
It was later found to be a red and white kayak.
In a statement, the Coastguard urged Islanders to ensure their crafts were properly secured during the current big tides, and that they were formally registered.
They said: ‘We are experiencing high tides of over 12 metres with large swell. Please ensure all personal crafts are securely tied up or removed from the high-water mark.
‘It can be challenging for us to locate and get information on the owners of craft or equipment lost or coming ashore. This can result in unnecessary search and rescue.
‘We offer a free safety identification scheme (CSIS), which allows you to register crafts up to five metres and receive a unique number assigned to your craft. This will enable us to track the owner and ensure they are safe and well.
‘Please find out how you can register your water craft on our website: ports.je/jerseycoastguard/c-sis.’
