MARQUETTE -- Last year, over 150 people died on the waters of the Great Lakes while in a kayak or canoe, and this week the U.S. Coast Guard in Marquette is helping to keep paddlers safe.
Paddles Up is a program designed to raise awareness for boating safety among the paddling community.
Coast Guard personnel will be handing out safety material with tips such as carrying a marine radio or developing a float plan. They will also be handing out ID stickers for vessels so the Coast Guard can quickly check with the owner to see if they are missing or the kayak or canoe was simply lost.
"Paddling sports within the Great Lakes is the fastest growing segment of recreational boating and, as such, you have a lot of inexperienced people taking to the water in kayaks and canoes, and this outreach program is pretty much to make them aware of the required safety equipment," said 2nd Class Petty Officer Christopher Connolly.
If you would like more information, you can contact the U.S. Coast Guard Marquette Station at (906) 226-3312.
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