I voted "no". It is not an act of necessity or mercy. Many good reasons against it being an act of necessity have already been made. I find Fisher's Catechism (a catechsim upon a catechism!) to have useful definitions of what is a work of necessity and what is a work of mercy against those who might make these categories too elastic.

Q. 36. What is to be understood by works of necessity?

A. Such as could not be foreseen, nor provided against the day before, nor delayed till the day after the Sabbath.

Q. 37. What instances may be given of such works of necessity on the Lord's day?

A. Flying from, and defending ourselves against an enemy; quenching of fire, accidentally or wilfully kindled; standing by the helm, or working a ship at sea, (provided they do not weigh anchor, nor hoist sail from harbours or firths, on the Lord's day,) and the like.

Q. 38. What are the works of mercy which may be done on the Sabbath?

A. The moderate refreshment of our bodies, Luke 6:1; visiting the sick, preparing and administering remedies to them, Luke 13:16; feeding our cattle, ver. 15; and preserving their lives, if in danger, chap, 14:5; and making collections for the poor, 1 Cor. 16:2.

Q. 39. What cautions are requisite about works of necessity and mercy?

A. That these works be real, and not pretended; that we spend as little time about them as possible; and that we endeavour to attain a holy frame of spirit while about them.

Q. 40. How does it appear that works of necessity and mercy are lawful on the Lord's day?

A. Because, though God rested from his work of creation on the seventh day, yet he did not rest on it from preserving what he had made.

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Rev. Adam King
Minister without a call (WPCUS)
Stated Supply: Reformed Presbyterian Church
Sterling, KS