Part of the problem with our overly-litigious, "victim mentality" society is that every product we buy is plastered with warnings about improbable dangers. Some of them are so stupid as to be insulting (Don't use a hair dryer in the shower!). This has had the effect of desensitizing many people - if not most - to these labels and they are routinely ignored. When was the last time you read the all the warnings that came with a product you bought? Perhaps you are one of the conciensious few who do read it all and take heed, but I have to admit that I typically don't. While they MAY provide some liability coverage to manufacturers, warning labels - as they've been implemented in most cases - are not likely to have much of a positive effect on the public. Perhaps if there was a uniform rating system for kayaks industry-wide, it might help. Not so much a warning label as a "selection guide", with boats rated as to their suitability for various purposes. Some manufacturers do this, but many don't. Another possibility is a standardized booklet about "Getting the most enjoyment from your new kayak" or something to that effect. Explain basic paddles strokes and such, with safety information interspersed throughout. As with labels, there's no guarantee that people would read it, but an enticing title may be less off-putting than a WARNING! label. The industry could certainly do a better job of promoting safety, starting with making safer boats. IMO, there is NO valid excuse for selling ANY kayak without adequate floatation, either built in (foam, bulkheads,etc.) or supplied separately (float bags). It seems to me that this is especially critical in rec boats, since the padders are more likely to be unskilled beginners. Some manufacturers do this, but most don't. Manufacturers could also do more to support safety training programs offered through dealers and clubs. Although it may be somewhat of an unfair burden, much of the responsibility for educating consumers has to fall on the dealers. Unfortunately, you can buy a kayak anywhere, so there is no control over who's selling them. You can't expect a stock clerk at a Sam's Club to know much about the limitations of "kayaks" they sell. Consequently, the buying public is left to their own devices. Ironically, I think part of the problem is that kayaker deaths - particularly rec and sea kayaks - are relatively few. The risk of lawsuits is minimal, so there's no great pressure on the industry to do anything about it. I'm not saying that this is a conscious decision, but why should manufacturers spend money on improved boats and safety programs that may well reduce sales, if there is no pressing need to do so? Fortunately, groups like the NSPN exist and do what they can to spread the safety message. We can only reach a small fraction of the paddling public, but it's still worth the effort. Perhaps we should look into soliciting industry sponsorship of our efforts. Specifically, it would be nice to find someone to underwrite the cost of printing a few thousand of the safety brochures, so we would have more to distribute to dealers and directly to the public. Perhaps this is something that the ACA or TAPS (Trade Association for Paddle Sports) would be interested in? Has anyone investigated this avenue?