When an empty craft is found, the authorities immediately presume an accident has occurred that separated its inhabitants from the vessel. However, an unmanned vessel may not always be a cause for alarm — the craft may have floated free of the shore and the owner has no clue that it’s missing or where it has drifted.

By labeling your kayak, canoe, paddle board, and any other small craft with information on the owner, a rescue crew has vital information when it comes upon a vessel adrift and unoccupied.

The U.S. Coast Guard has waterproof “If Found” stickers you can fill in and adhere to the vessel — local harbormasters, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, paddling clubs, and some marine retail and supply stores should have stickers. But you need not hunt for anything official. Using permanent marker, write your name and two phone numbers on your craft (don’t just use your cell, as it may get wet in an actual emergency).

If you’re not actually in distress and your craft is found, the Coast Guard will contact you. You’ll get your vessel back, and all will be well without triggering a full-out search and rescue. However, if there’s no response or the call yields unsettling information, rescue crews will act accordingly.