Came across this new? technology today and thought it worth sharing with felow kitesurfers

The Odeo Flare is the new alternative to the traditional red pyrotechnic hand-held distress flare. It is similar in size to traditional flares, but instead of using dangerous explosives to burn, it uses battery powered lasers.
Traditional flares will burn for around 30 seconds to a minute maximum before extinguishing. The Odeo Flare™ ‘burns’ for around 5 hours then another five is achieved merely by changing batteries. Because no pyrotechnics are used, the Odeo Flare is totally safe when switched off, and because it uses ordinary AA batteries, it can even be safely posted or carried in baggage on flights.

More details here:
http://www.odeoflare.co.uk/home.php

Not cheap At R2000.00 a pop, but what value your life