Waterfront Canoe Course for Parents and Children, 30 June, 14 July

Objective: Teach paddling in a family atmosphere with parents and children participating together.  This course is designed to introduce the inexperienced canoeist to paddling. The emphasis is on mastering the fundamentals of canoeing along with a strong grounding in water safety and safe canoeing practices.  For ages 5 and up.

Duration: 4 hours.  Choose either June 30th or July 14th or you may sign up for both.

Cost: $35 for one child and parent for a 4 hour session.  Additional members of the same direct family $10 each.  Cost includes canoe rental & paddles.  There will be an additional parking cost of $2 for 5 hours.  Bring your own PFD/lifejacket if you have one.  We have some club PFDs.

Description:
This course will take place on Petrie Island in the Ottawa River, near Orleans.  There is a sandy beach and washrooms.

The course includes sizing a PFD/lifejacket, swimming in a PFD/lifejacket, water safety, paddle parts and sizing, canoe parts, how to kneel, how to hold a paddle, paddling on opposite sides, forward, reverse, J/rudder, draw and push away strokes.  Participants will learn how to go in a straight line, stop and turn.  There will be a demonstration of a canoe over canoe rescue and we will end with some water games. 
Course is held rain or shine unless dangerous conditions exist.  Space is limited.

Each family will need to bring a picnic, drinking water, bathing suits, a change of clothes, hats, towels and sunscreen.  Each family is responsible for their own transportation to/from the site.  PFDs/lifejackets must be worn by all participants during the course.  Children must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times.  A qualified lifeguard will be present at all times.

Of interest to: Families with young children who would like to learn together.

Prerequisite: Children must be at least 5 years old and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Children should be comfortable swimming wearing a PFD/lifejacket at a beach.

Contact: Karen Hurd E-mail kehurd@sympatico.ca

Sign-Up:  Zone 4 link is at https://www.zone4.ca/register.asp?id=2647 for sign-up.