Curious about kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding? Want to learn how to stay safe on the water? The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary invites families to attend a Paddle Sports and Water Safety Day on Saturday, November 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the North Fort Myers Community Pool, 5170 Orange Grove Blvd., in North Fort Myers.
This free, family-friendly event will feature live safety demonstrations conducted in the pool by trained Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors—while attendees watch safely from poolside. Topics include:
· How to properly fit and wear a life jacket
· Safe launching and paddling techniques
· Recognizing hazards and avoiding disorientation
· How to call for help in an emergency
· Basic self-rescue and re-entry techniques (demonstrated by instructors)
· Paddlecraft registration and safety regulations
“In-water demonstrations will be led by Donna Horsby, Flotilla Commander of Flotilla 94 (Franklin Lock) and certified instructor with the Coast Guard Auxiliary Paddlecraft Program (AUXPAD),” said Robert Guenthner, Commander of Flotilla 91, Fort Myers Beach. “As paddle sports continue to grow in popularity, it’s essential to equip our community with the tools and knowledge to stay safe on the water.”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reports that paddlecraft—such as kayaks and canoes—are a growing factor in boating fatalities, often because paddlers don’t see themselves as “boaters” and fail to wear life jackets.
Equally concerning, Florida leads the nation in child drownings, with an estimated 70 to 85 children under the age of five dying each year in residential swimming pools. These silent tragedies can happen in just 20 to 30 seconds, often during a brief lapse in supervision. The emotional toll on families can be lifelong, underscoring the importance of education, vigilance, and proper safety gear.
“Every demonstration, every life jacket properly fitted, and every safety conversation we have could prevent a tragedy,” said Guenthner. “That’s why events like this are so important.”
Visitors can also speak with certified vessel safety examiners, take home free boating safety materials, and register their paddlecraft with the Auxiliary’s Paddlecraft ID Program—no paddling required and meet representatives of Lee County Parks & Recreations, Swim Energy Aquatics, Safe Kids Southwest Florida and Golisano Children’s Hospital.