Nice new toy for the Coast Guard.  I suppose it has its uses, and can be effective in some cases.  As long as it is used to 'get boaters attention' I don't see much harm.  The problem arises if the Guard gets into the habit of mis-using their little toy - as our the police now do with their Tasers.

IF this happens those who the Guard mis-use this on, and endanger people, must decide whether or not to defend themselves - just as we have to decide whether to defend ourselves and our's when a cop pulls his litte raygun. 

No abuse, no problem.