Regions of Low Risk: |
|||
Due to the unpredictability of environmental conditions, truly identifying low risk zones is very tricky and somewhat flawed. Any activity that takes place on the ocean carries a significant amount of risk with it, and it would be safe to say that there are no regions of low risk. However, for the purpose of this study the following are potentially the two zones of least risk to a kayaker.
|
|||
1) Pacific County This county on the southwest corner of Washington State was consistently in low risk zones. Higher water temperatures, a relatively low score on the EKRIM, no reported kayaking deaths between 1998-2004, and very close proximity to two Coast Guard stations (Strong VHF range and 1 hour maximum response time) are what place this county as the lowest risk to kayakers. View Region of Lowest Risk to Kayakers
2) Whatcom County This county also scored low on the EKRIM. It appears to have the lowest average wind speeds and wave heights (particularly in summer) and contains one of the few Coast Guard Stations that give the entire coast of Whatcom strong VHF radio transmission as well as a 1 hour maximum response time. View Region of Second Lowest Risk to Kayakers
|
|||