Loris, South Carolina

... Flares...

The following is a safe boating message from the Long Bay sail and
power squadron

Visual distress signals, usually hand held or "gun type" flares are
used only when you are in distress and someone is likely to see
them. The Coast Guard may ask you to set off a flare so they can Pin
Point your location. Shoot two close together. The first may catch
someone's attention and the second one confirms the sighting. Be
sure you fire flares down-wind and hold the handheld type over the
side of the vessel since the dripping slag can ignite a fire
onboard.

If you are using a flare pistol, get in a safe position and ready to
fire before loading the cartridge. Point high over your head, arm
fully extended, then cock and fire. Do not look up due to the risk
of Sparks and residue dropping into your eyes. Lower the Pistol,
Point away from all others and remove the spent cartridge. If a
cartridge fails to fire, continue pointing skyward and wait 30
seconds, cock and fire again. If it still fails to fire, wait 30
seconds and carefully remove the cartridge.

Even though flares will often "fire" when they are past the
expiration date, the Coast Guard recommends that you get rid of any
that are 5 years past the expiration date. Old outdated flares may
be turned over to a Coast Guard base or US Coast Guard auxiliary and
US power squadron vessel safety check stations.

This message was brought to you by...

The Long Bay sail and power squadron

... you're in command. Boat responsibly!...