COAST GUARD AUXILIARY HOSTS KAYAK, CANOE, AND PADDLEBOARD SAFETY DAY IN ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND

ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND – Coast Guard Auxiliary personnel from Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia in conjunction with the Rockville Chapter of the Izaak Walton League will host the first annual Rockville Paddlecraft Safety Day at the Izaak Walton League Rockville Chapter House, on Sunday, April 30, 2017.

The purpose of the Paddlecraft Safety Day is to provide free vessel safety exams as well as other safety information for paddlecraft owners. A vessel safety exam ensures that kayaks, SUPs, rowboats, and canoes comply with federal, state, and local safety requirements. The Session will also include a short paddling safety presentation as well safety tips, free “if found” decals and safety whistles.

"There are more than 7.4 million paddlecraft--canoes, kayaks, rafts, and paddleboards in the US and the number is growing by more than 120,000 per year. Unfortunately, with that growth in the sport, we've seen a dramatic increase in the number of serious and fatal incidents." said Don Goff, Senior Advisor, Paddlecraft Safety, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, “In 2010, paddlecraft fatalities were 30% of all recreational boating deaths.”

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Rockville Chapter of the Izaak Walton League look forward to hosting this Paddlecraft Safety Day to ensure that everyone is safe and ready for the season.

When: Sunday, April 30, 2017 10:00 / 11:00 to 3:00
Opens 10:00 a.m. for Izaak Walton League members
11:00 a.m. open to the public

Where: Izaak Walton League Rockville Chapter House
18301 Waring Station Road, Germantown, MD 20874

All paddlecraft are welcome for a free safety check, including kayaks, canoes, SUPs, rowboats, etc. Both rigid and inflatables can be inspected. Hope to see you there!

For questions concerning the event, contact Flotilla Commander Dion Mulvihill, Flotilla 054-24-01 at 240-477-6425 or email dion.mulvihill@gmail.com

For over 60 years, tens-of-thousands of men and women of the Coast Guard Auxiliary have spent millions of volunteer hours helping the Coast Guard carry out its missions. For more information on America’s Volunteer Lifesavers, visit our website at: http://www.cgaux.org/

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