My New Worst Fears...

To alert boats to my presence I use this;
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Innovative-Lighting-Electric-Handheld-Horn/700627.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dwaterproof%2Bhorn%26x%3D0%26y%3D0%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=waterproof+horn&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products



This thing will wake the dead! 

A handy, compact signaling horn that meets U.S. Coast Guard requirements. And it's built to last. It's fully waterproof, shock-resistant and stays afloat if you drop it overboard. Solid-state electronics are powered by one 9-volt battery (not included).

Before I got this horn, I used a flare gun.  Later I was told to shoot it ACROSS the bow, not AT the bow.  Sooorrrrreeeeeee........

That thing looks nifty.  I just ordered one.  Thanks.

-Allen

but I'm new to the art of kayak fishing

I suggest taking an introduction (proper paddling skills) and safety class (self rescue) on kayaking FIRST before worrying about the other issues.