An Exercise in Boat Safety

By Special to My Life

Last week the Corps of Engineers hosted its first Spirit of America, National Youth Boating Education Program.

The program offered the youth participants a unique opportunity to learn about operating several different types of vessels such as kayaks, canoes, sailboats, jon boats, and jet skis. The youths were also taught about personal water safety techniques, including how to use proper safety equipment, basic rules of water safety, etc.

The week of activities was designed to help strengthen participants’ self-esteem, allow participation in teamwork efforts, and become better stewards of our nation’s water resources while promoting boating and water safety.

The Corps of Engineers at Arkabutla Lake, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, and DeSoto County Search and Rescue served as instructors and safeguards throughout the program teaching classes on safe boating, swimming, as well as other water safety-related activities.

Local contributors included Don Lindholm of Southaven Kawasaki, Yamaha Motor Sports; Dr. Robert Maddux of Hernando Dental Care loaned a Kawasaki jet ski; John Gardner, a retired teacher and avid sailor volunteered to teach the sailing portion of the course; and Sportsman’s Warehouse contributed kayak paddles.

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