WHAT: 43 simultaneous Kayaking 101 classes across seven states for National Safe Boating Week.
WHO: Representatives from the American Canoe Association and the U.S. Coast Guard.
WHEN: April 30 via Zoom, scheduled in advance to occur between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. EDT.
May 18, on site starting at 12:30 p.m. EDT.
- Booker T. Washington State Park, 5801 Champion Rd., Chattanooga, TN
- Allatoona Lake, Kellogg Creek Day Use Area, 2077 Kellogg Creek Road., Acworth GA
- Aiken State Park, 1145 State Park Rd., Windsor, SC
WHERE: Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Missouri, Texas
NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard Auxiliary and American Canoe Association, in partnership with 10 state agencies and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are scheduled to conduct Kayaking 101 safety classes at 43 locations throughout Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Missouri, and Texas on May 18 to celebrate National Safe Boating Week. Classes are designed to equip paddlesports enthusiasts with critical information they need to enjoy a safe time on the water. In 2022, 26% of all recreational boating fatalities involved paddlers, most often in calm water conditions. Kayakers comprise the bulk of paddlesports growth and the majority of paddling fatalities. Nearly 75% of fatalities involve paddlers with less than 100 hours experience; 35% of those have less than 10 hours experience.
This volunteer-led initiative in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, is attempting to change the trajectory of these statistics. In April, the National Safe Boating Council recognized this initiative with the 2024 IBWSS Community Impact Award.
Media members are invited to conduct interviews and join the on-water portion of the event. ACA Kayaking 101 Partnership representatives will be available for interviews on April 30 and May 18.
Media Contact: Paul Barnard at paul.d.barnard@uscg.mil or 504-202-8948.
Registration links and additional media resources are available here.