Flow Kayaks launches ‘See and Be Seen Day’, highlighting most visible colours

As autumn arrives in Exeter, the city’s running routes, rivers, and canals are as busy as ever. From joggers along the Exeter Quay to kayakers paddling the River Exe, locals are making the most of the mild weather before winter sets in. But with the clocks about to go back and daylight hours shrinking, visibility on the water and on foot is becoming increasingly important for everyone who enjoys Exeter’s great outdoors.

That is why Flow Kayaks has launched the first national ‘See and Be Seen Day’, taking place on 24 October. The campaign is designed to raise awareness about staying visible, whether you are kayaking, paddleboarding, or out for an evening run along the quay.

Staying safe on Exeter’s waterways and trails

The River Exe, Exeter Ship Canal, and nearby coastal spots such as Exmouth and Topsham are hugely popular for paddling and rowing. As daylight fades earlier each evening, it is easy to underestimate how quickly visibility can drop. For runners and walkers too, paths that feel safe and bright in summer can become shadowed and risky after sunset.

Flow Kayaks’ new campaign highlights a simple but vital message: being visible could save your life. To find out what people thought about colour visibility, the team surveyed more than 100 respondents from across the UK, asking them to pick the three most visible colours for kayaking or outdoor activities. The top picks were red, pink, yellow, and light green, but the science told a slightly different story.

What the data reveals about visibility

Research from Alive Solutions, a US-based water safety consultancy, found that neon yellow, light green, and orange are the most visible colours for water-based activities. These hues stand out sharply in both shallow and deep water, helping others spot paddlers quickly in case of an emergency.

Surprisingly, red and pink, two of the most popular survey answers, did not perform as well in real-world conditions. Red tones lose contrast underwater, while pink fades faster in natural light. Even white, often seen as a bright option, blends in easily with reflections and clouds, reducing its effectiveness.

The research makes one thing clear: bright, high-contrast colours are essential for visibility, whether you are paddling down the Exe or running along the quay after work.

24 October: See and Be Seen Day

Flow Kayaks chose 24 October for the inaugural See and Be Seen Day to coincide with the clocks going back. Around this time, Exeter’s daylight fades as early as 4.30 pm, which can catch even experienced runners and paddlers off guard. It is the perfect reminder that visibility is not just a concern for water users but for anyone out enjoying the city’s outdoor spaces.

In response, Flow Kayaks has expanded its range to include high-visibility kayaks, gear, and clothing, many with reflective detailing for extra safety. The company hopes this will inspire people to take a proactive approach to being seen during the darker months.

A message from the founders

Flow Kayaks’ owners Jake and Tamsyn said:

“We feel staying seen on the water is important for both personal safety and the safety of other users. Devon’s waterways can get busy, with paddlers, rowers, and boaters all sharing the same space. But this message also applies to runners and walkers in places like Exeter, where evenings are often bustling with activity. Visibility helps prevent accidents and gives people confidence to keep enjoying the outdoors safely.”

Whether you are gliding past the Custom House on a kayak, running through Riverside Valley Park, or heading out for a paddle near Dawlish, bright colours and reflective gear can make all the difference.

Flow Kayaks’ ‘See and Be Seen Day’ serves as a timely reminder for everyone in Exeter and across Devon to embrace safety, stay visible, and continue enjoying the region’s rivers, coasts, and trails well into the autumn and winter months.

‘See and Be Seen Day’ takes place on 24 October. For more information and to explore Flow Kayaks’ high-visibility range, visit their website.