I don't think anyone is advocating issueing Flares to hire boats. The question is "do flares have any use on inland waterways". Whilst unlikely I believe there are cirumstances when they could prove of value. There are isolated reaches where one would attract attention of searchers or the public. I know of one instance many years ago when a flare would have drawn the searching Police 'copter to someone who was unable to leave their crew mate. Evince some canal boaters who wear lifejackets while boating on waters 4' deep. Highly unlikely to be needed but would you deny that there are situations when one could save a life, falling overboard unconcious maybe.