Coast Guard launching paddlesports safety effort

By the Associated Press

CREATED Jul. 20, 2012

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  • Lake Michigan. | Photo: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

DETROIT (AP) -- The U.S. Coast Guard is launching its third annual Great Lakes safe boating awareness effort focused on paddlesports.

The Coast Guard Ninth District's "Paddles Up Great Lakes" educational outreach campaign begins Saturday and runs through July 28.

The Coast Guard says paddlesports such as canoeing and kayaking are increasingly popular, but some people aren't aware of safe practices.

Participants including the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary personnel will pass out safety and education information as well as self-adhesive identification stickers for boats. The stickers can help identify the owner when a boat is found empty and adrift on the water.

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Online:
http://www.uscg.mil/d9