News

Mills River offers kayak safety course

By Bill Moss, Published: May 11, 2016

The Town of Mills River will sponsor a kayak and canoe safety course at its boat launch on the bank of the Mills River at Mills River Park on Saturday, June 11. Sponsored by the town, along with the Fitzpatrick Foundation, the free safety course is open to all those interested in enjoying crafts on the river.
The course, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., is instructed by Justin Blythe of the Henderson County Rescue Squad and Ricky Brown. The course will cover the various types of crafts and the rules for their use; hazards on the river; rescue techniques; personal protective equipment; and trip planning.

Mills River Mayor Larry Freeman said the town decided to offer the safety course after DSS Director Eric Bush, an experienced kayaker, was killed last Dec. 20 in a kayaking accident on the Nolichucky River in Mitchell County. Vaughan Fitzpatrick and the Fitzpatrick Foundation, a kayak and canoe enthusiast who had made the Town’s canoe and kayak launch possible, then stepped up to the plate and agreed to co-sponsor and underwrite the cost of the safety course, Freeman said.
“We’re pleased to see our launch being used by so many who enjoy activities on the river,” Freeman said. “Our goal, along with the Fitzpatrick Foundation, is to provide expert safety instruction and information so that all those who use the launch abd the river can enjoy them safely.”