cremation services in Phoenix, AZ

A Guide to Scattering Ashes at Sea

An unintended consequence of the increase in cremation burials is a rising interest in scattering a loved one’s ashes at sea. The act symbolizes their return to nature or, more personal, the deceased’s love for a particular water body. Follow this guide from cremation services in Phoenix, AZ, if you plan to scatter their ashes too.

1. Know and Follow the Local Water Laws

The first place to start is the law. That is not to say scattering ashes at sea is illegal. It is not. But each body of water has rules set for it by the local authority. Since scattering can happen anywhere, here are the main rules from the federal government.

  • You can’t scatter your pet’s remains in the sea
  • You need an MPRSA permit
  • If the remains are inside an object, it must be a biodegradable material
  • You have to scatter the ashes within three nautical miles of shore

Those rules mostly apply to seas. But if it is a smaller water body, like lakes, ponds, and rivers, you will have to deal with your state or local government.

2. Pay attention to the weather

Unlike mistakes when the urn is inside your home, there is no doover when you scatter ashes at sea. There are plenty of terrible stories of the wind blowing back the ashes at families, ruining the symbolism.

That is why it is necessary to pay attention to the weather. Bring a device that will indicate the wind direction. It could be something as crude as a ribbon on a long stick.

When you are inside the water, don’t rush. Use the device to determine the wind direction and wait for it to calm.

Also, pour the ashes every close to the water. That way, most of them make it inside should the wind blow them away.

3. Wear the appropriate attire

You may have to travel by boat or plane. Even if you are just a few yards into the water, you still need the right dress and footwear. If you travel by boat, you need footwear with grip because boat decks are slippery.

The same goes when you are close to shore. Your feet should be firmly planted in case of a strong wind.

Wear something that protects against the coldness of the sea. And if you or a family member is prone to seasickness, make sure you or them take the appropriate medication.

4. Check the condition of the cremains

cremation services in Phoenix, AZCheck the cremains before scattering the ashes, especially if significant time has passed since you collected them. They settle over time, and you want to be sure they haven’t clumped together.

If it turns out they have, use a spoon or something equally effective to break them apart. Also, if the ashes are inside a plastic bag, empty them carefully into the urn before you go into the water.

Scattering ashes is a delicate final ritual during a funeral. If you need help organizing one, or a cremation service before, reach out to us, Simply Cremation & Funeral Arrangements. We are a Phoenix, AZ, cremation service and our experts are here to assist you. Call us or visit our location today to get started.

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