Safety equipment gear

West Marine's prize package for the derby is planned to be a safetly equipment kit.  I plan on getting together with them on Wednesday to finalize what should be included in that kit.  So I wanted to see what you all thought would be good to include.  The list that I can think of off the top of my head is the following:

• VHF radio
• GPS or Compass
• Flares, Safety light source, mirror for visual signalling
• Life Preserver
• Knife, pliers, or other safety cutting device
• Paddle leash
• Bilge pump
• Whistle or air horn or other sound making device
• First aid kit
• Dry bag or waterproof box to keep your importants in
• Kayak float bags, pool noodles, or some other floatation device to keep you boat afloat in case of a leak
• Sunscreen

That's what comes to mind, not necessaily in order of importance.  What do you think?  Which would you consider more important?  I can't realistically expect all of these to be included, but some portion of this list would be a great prize and a great start for assembling a complete safety package for a kayak angler.

-Allen

I would add:

1- Candles
2- Water Proof matches
3- Fire starter
3- One of those little thermal/solar blankets
4- Small hatchet or machete
5- Water Purification tablets and water bottle
6- Fishing supplies (in case yours went to the bottom  )
7- Something to boil water in.
8- Rope
9- Duck tape. (I always carry it in case I punch a hole in the kayak. Had to use it before and works well).

Maybe not gear you would take along, but I allways let someone know where I am going and when I should return. Something I learned growing up in the N.W. hiking and backpacking or whatever the adventure.
I suppose this would be more like insurance than gear.

Very good thread to learn from!