This tragedy is typical of paddling accidents. Normally, paddling is one of the safer adventure sports, but paddlers seem to overestimate skills and underestimate conditions, and often fail to understand and respect the nature and power of water and weather. A few simple precautions, like choosing a kayak that is equipped with sealed bulkheads or additional positive flotation in coastal waters and always wearing a PFD can do much to improve the safety statistics for the casual paddler.

Statistic show that most paddling accidents occur on weekends, in the summer, on sunny days under clement conditions. Of course, this is the most popular time to be on the water, but it is also the most likey time to encounter the inexperienced paddler. Most accidents, injuries and deaths can be avoided by following a few simple precautions. It is the intent of the LI Paddle Sport Symposium to provide these basic messages of safety while encouraging excitement for this healthy and pleasurable sport.

Each year local and regional paddling and boating professionals gather for a day of lectures, demonstrations and outreach to bring useful and interesting messages to the general public. All who do so give freely of their time because they are passionate about the sport and passionate about the message of safety. We want to help the novice paddler grow into the sport safely and join the ranks of knowedgeable paddlers.

You too, can help with this cause. The LIPSS has always been a free symposium. It has grown to reach more participants each year. We are limited by our ability as a volunteer organization to access the advertising needed to reach the broader paddling public. Visit our donation page to help build our advertising budget, or let us know if you can help out with contacts in the media. Do you have some free time? Each year we solicit service aids to help with registration, site guidance and other support. If you have interest in helping out with this worthy cause please visit our contact page.