Each year the Maine Warden Service and Maine Marine Patrol respond to many calls of unoccupied canoes, kayaks, and rowboats found floating on the water. Without owner information on a vessel/paddle craft, it can be difficult for first responders to confirm if someone is in need of rescue on the water or if the boat simply drifted away from shore without a passenger.

“Always label your vessel/paddle craft with an ‘IF FOUND’ sticker to help first responders efficiently determine if an emergency exists, prevent unnecessary and expensive searches, and enable your paddle craft to be returned if lost,” said Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, in a news release.

Stickers are available for FREE from MDIFW and Department of Marine Resources - visit your local office for a sticker or ask your local game warden or marine patrol officer. You can also find stickers at many marinas and sporting goods stores.

Click here for more information on where you can get a free sticker. 

Please get a FREE “IF FOUND” contact sticker from your local Maine Game Warden, Marine Patrol Officer, or Harbor Master. You can also find stickers at marinas, sporting goods stores or at the following Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Department of Marine Resources locations (open 8:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday):

• Augusta:
  
  • Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Headquarters, 353 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04333
  • Maine Department of Marine Resources, 32 Blossom Lane, Augusta, ME 04330
• Ashland: Maine Warden Service Headquarters, 63 Station Hill, Ashland, ME 04732
• Bangor: Maine Warden Service Headquarters, 106 Hogan Road, Suite #1, Bangor, ME  04401
• Boothbay: DMR Marine Patrol Division I, 194 McKown Point Rd., West Boothbay Harbor, ME 04575
• Gray: Maine Warden Service Headquarters, 15 Game Farm Rd, Gray, ME 04039
• Greenville: Maine Warden Service Headquarters, 19 Village St., Greenville, ME  04441
• Jonesboro: DMR Marine Patrol Field Office, 317 Whitneyville Road, Jonesboro, ME 04648
• Lamoine: DMR Marine Patrol Division II, 22 Coaling Station Lane, Lamoine, ME 04605
• Rockland: DMR Marine Patrol Field Office, 515 Maine St., Rockland, ME 04841
• Sidney: Warden Service Headquarters, 270 Lyons Road, Sidney, ME  04330