Curious about kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in Lee County? Want to learn how to stay safe on the water—without getting wet? 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., North Fort Myers, FL 33903.
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.
Event Details:
North Fort Myers Community Pool
5170 Orange Grove Blvd., North Fort Myers, FL 33903
Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Free Admission – No Registration Required
Open to All Ages (Children must be accompanied by an adult)
About the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed, all-volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard. Established by Congress in 1939, the Auxiliary supports the Coast Guard in all its non-military, non-law-enforcement missions, including public education, vessel safety checks, and maritime environmental protection. With over 32,000 members nationwide, the Auxiliary serves in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam.
Learn more at www.cgaux.org
