Often with a death comes realization that we all can do better.

In the case of the very young ladies who perished near Ram Island, had they known of the dangers, they may have stayed closer to shore or not pursued their goals of paddling that day.

Skilled paddlers embark with knowledge, pre-planning, strategy for handling difficult situations, improving skills by attending kayaking classes, follow Coast Guard rules and guidelines and follow our gut instinct “is it safe”? If not, there will be other times.

There will always be inexperienced paddlers. It’s how the population of kayakers improves and grows.

If there is a forest fire danger, how do we all know of these conditions? News, signs near fire barns, word of mouth and checking with our fire departments.

I ask that a simple communication process be implemented – an easy to see, very distinct flag flying off our light houses or points of easy viewing to determine the paddling conditions. A red flag would mean do not paddle, a yellow flag would warn away novice paddlers and a green flag would mean it is safe for all.

Even with a green flag, given the cold waters, it’s dangerous. At a minimum, post paddling condition on all available news and paddling-specific websites in Maine and New England.

I always tell fellow paddlers contemplating a paddle in cold water to put on a life jacket with no cold water gear and jump in the water from shore, swim 10 feet and submerge. Then tell me how long they can handle the cold.

Their reaction tells volumes and is a pivotal indicator if they want to risk their lives without paddling to a place like Ram Island and risking the many ever-changing currents, winds and surge.

I’m asking our towns, U.S. Coast Guard, ocean caretakers, volunteers, newspapers and fellow paddlers to please over-communicate ocean conditions in whatever ways possible.

Paddlers, please be over-cautious, prepare for worst-case conditions, expect the unexpected and paddle together.

John D. Cole

Scarborough