Coast Guard and State Agencies Conduct Joint Paddle Craft Training

 

 Coast Guard and State Agencies Conduct Joint Paddle Craft Training

 

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Local Coast Guard units, industry and partner agencies are conducting joint paddle craft training Thursday afternoon at Sector Long Island Sound.

 

Coast Guard personnel from Long Island Sound small boat stations, cutters, Sector, and Auxiliary staff will participate with Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection staff, retailers, and local paddle craft instructors to conduct training on State and Federal safety gear requirements for paddlers. The training will include on-the-water demonstrations of different types of paddle craft construction and capabilities, assessing paddler skill levels, and techniques for rescuing and providing assistance to paddle craft. Participants will gain experience operating paddle craft in conjunction with rescue assets on the water.

 

“In the wake of our recent searches for missing paddlers, it is more important than ever that we do all we can to prevent these tragic incidents from happening. Wearing a life jacket, telling someone who will be on land where you are going and when you plan to be back, and checking the weather, tides and currents before you head out are basic best practices every boater should follow to easily prevent an unsafe situation” said Cmdr. Andrew Ely, Sector Long Island Sound Response Department Head. “The safety of those on the water is our top priority, and this event will train rescue personnel and industry partners to respond to paddlers in distress and to educate the boating public.”

 

WHAT: Joint paddle craft training

 

WHERE: 120 Woodward Avenue, New Haven, CT 06512

 

WHEN: Media availability will by 2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Thursday, June 14, 2018

 

EDITOR’S NOTE: For additional information and for media interested in attending the event please contact Lt. Shannon Andrew at 203-468-4432.