DEM’s Paddlecraft Safety Course

Responding to the accidental drownings that impact families every year in the Ocean State, the Department of Environmental Management is partnering with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to offer two free indoor paddlecraft safety lessons for members of the public ages 16 or older this winter in preparation for the 2025 boating season. 

• February 20, 2025, from 6 PM - 8 PM at the DEM Parks and Recreation Headquarters (1100 Tower Hill Road, North Kingstown)
• March 2, 2025, from 10 AM - 12 PM at the Lincoln Woods State Park Nature Center (2 Manchester Print Works Road, Lincoln) 

Mark Marosits will teach the courses. He is an ACA-accredited coastal kayak instructor and RI ACA state director. He paddles all of RI’s waters and serves as both the Newport Harbormaster Paddle Safety Officer and US Coast Guard District 1 North Auxiliary Paddlecraft Coordinator. His shoreside classes are fun, interactive and address safety, skill, and care for paddlecrafts.

All course participants will receive a free dry bag with paddlecraft safety supplies including safety whistles, a PFD, strobes, and safety booklets. 

Participants must be at least 16 years of age to register. Space is limited.

For questions or assistance registering for the courses, please contact the Division of Parks & Recreation at dem.riparks@dem.ri.gov or (401) 667-6200.