A while ago I bought some military versions of the RescueStreamer for some T&E for our survival/equipment vest that we use in the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Overall, they met with good success and would be used in conjunction with signal mirrors and ACR strobes.

Now here is my issue...

We are a front line, pager response rescue organization, similar in structure to a lot of volunteer fire departments but with out any pay of any kind. We do not directly receive any monies from the Govt or the regular Guardies. (The boat gets paid for fuel etc, when on a call) Monies required for personal gear etc is raised locally through fund raising.

Not to take away from the excellent retailers that are out there marketing the civilian version of this fine device I am looking for a cheaper source. The ones i bought initially were Milspec surplus that had "expired"

So in the interest of being frugal, I am again trying to source "expired" military versions and have been coming up dry.

Anyone have any suggestions for sourcing?

Apologies to retailers and if anyone can help, a PM would work too.

Thanks in advance
jenks

Jenks,

Have you considered asking the company for a donation - They may enjoy helping your group. ( hint -- ask for their marketing dept.)

tro

I first learned of rescue streamers sevderal years ago when discussing possible kayak PFD survival gear. A Coast Guard rescue swimmer mentioned how much easier it was to see the streamer than a kayak or person; I have coveted one ever since.

http://www.rescuestreamer.com/buyonline.html

Or perhaps building them yourself?

I am not at all sure how it works for Our Northern Neighbor, but here in the States, I could claim a deduction for all the SAR goodies I purchased, along with mileage, etc. That eased the sting a bit.

Asking about a donation is a good idea.

as TeacherRO commented....you might ask your aerial platform to evaluate some improvised devices

50 feet of yellow "crime scene" tape with 3 or 4 Cyalume light sticks attached along length (the sticks are slightly buoyant... may need additional buoyancy)... possibly one that is infra red for FLIR

Hikermor:
Man i wished it worked that way! But sadly it does not.

It's kind of ironical (not a word, i know) but our new Gov't passed a change to the tax laws so the volunteer firefighters get a tax break for the money they make when called out.

The true volunteers that don't get paid on call out, don't get any breaks...

Ah well, we aren't in it for the money.
Making a 'save' is more than enough reward.
jenks

Be an adult volunteer for the Boy Scouts, your gear is tax deductible.

jenks, fwiw I appreciate and applaud your efforts. Volunteers make the difference, and that's a fact. Keep up the good work.

With every respect,
-Doug

Thanks Doug.

and yes, it is worth something.