The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers what it calls the world's only life-saving device on paper. Anyone who gets out on the water, be it a kayaker, jet skier or serious power boater, needs a float plan to prepare for emergency situations.

Without a float plan you are counting on someone else – a friend, neighbor or family member – to remember detailed information that rescue personnel need in order to find you.

The Coast Guard auxiliary says its "Millennium Edition" float plan is equally effective for the owner of a 10-foot kayak as it is for a 48-foot express cruiser, or a 90-foot luxury yacht.

The auxiliary's "Float Plan Central" periodically updates the Millennium Edition to reflect the latest improvements in both boating safety and search and rescue practices and technology.

Check it out at the Float Plan Web site.