A recent rescue involving a 13-year-old swimmer in Australia has highlighted the risks faced by water users when conditions change suddenly.
The teenager swam four kilometres to raise the alarm after his family was swept out to sea on paddleboards.
Safety experts say the incident underlines the need for reliable emergency signalling beyond mobile phones.
While waterproof phone pouches are widely used, signal loss, flat batteries or water damage can prevent distress calls.
The Pains Wessex Miniflare Mk8 is being promoted as a compact backup signalling device for use on the water and on land.
The pack contains nine red aerial flares, each reaching over 40 metres and burning for more than five seconds at 10,000 candela.
The flares are visible for up to five miles in daylight and over 10 miles at night, according to the manufacturer.
They are activated using a penjector system designed for ease of use, even in wet conditions or while in the water.
The compact unit can be carried in a dry bag or stored in a buoyancy aid or waterproof jacket pocket.
Sean McCrystal, Head of Marketing at Wescom Group, said the device provides an additional layer of safety.
“Having the ability to set off an internationally recognised distress signal is vital in an emergency,” he said.
“Miniflare packs are ideal as part of your essential kit, alongside your phone. By all means take your phone for convenience — but always carry proven safety equipment.”
The Pains Wessex Miniflare Mk8 is available from CH Marine here
