Paddle Safety Day

The weather is getting warmer, so we're starting to spend some more time outside and on the water. We're always thinking about ways to stay safe while we're having fun. For this event, we're partnering with the local branch of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.

First, we'll have a short clinic (about 30 min) about paddlecraft safety. We'll discuss items you're required to have on board your kayak to pass the Coast Guard Safety Check. We'll also discuss how to select the best safety items for you, and some of our additional recommendations.

Beginning at 1:30p, we'll have kayak safety checks outside. If you already own a kayak, bring along your kayak (plus your paddle, PFD, and other safety gear) to have the Coast Guard perform a safety inspection. If you pass, you'll get a sticker for the side of your boat that states you've had an inspection for 2015.

Keep in mind - if you don't pass an inspection out on the water, you can be fined up to $100 for every missing item! Better to have that required gear checked on dry land!

Required gear includes: sound signal (whistle or horn), PFD (life jacket), overall vessel condition (hull and deck sound; hatch covers in good condition and secure; deck liners and bungee cords in good condition and secure; hardware secure and in working order; bulkheads, airbags, flotation devices in good working order; paddles/oars serviceable), navigation lights (white lights sunset to sunrise), and visual distress signal (sunset to sunrise if on coastal waters).

Additional open water requirements include: pump or bailer; spray skirt; spare paddle/oar; compass/gps/navigation chart; tow line or recovery system; and marine radio/cell phone.

Hope to see you out there!