Training that could save lives

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Gross
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  It's about that time of year, when everyone is itching to get outdoors and enjoy what Alaska has to offer. Many people may find enjoyment in kayaking the waters of the state, and Elmendorf's Outdoor Adventure Program is helping prepare those kayak enthusiasts for unpredictable aquatic recreation

The OAP offers kayak safety classes twice a month at Elmendorf's Fitness Center, where they cover how to calmly and safely exit a rolled kayak, how to perform team or solo rescue once out of the kayak and some basic paddling techniques.

Alaska is one of the leaders in deaths per capita when it comes to outdoor water activities, said Raina Panarese, OAR director. She said one of the reasons the training originated was because of the dangers that can come along with kayaking.

Ms. Panarese said she takes water safety seriously, and that her class is targeted for those who have never kayaked, but it's also a requirement for those who rent kayaks from Elmendorf's Outdoor Recreation Center or if anybody goes on a kayaking trip with the OAR.

Going through the motions and being comfortable under water with a fast exit out of the boat are some of the key skills Ms. Panarese hopes the participants take away. She also hopes this class instills a sense of comfort in those who participated.

"It gives people a little more confidence, when they rent our boats or go on our trips. They're going to know what to do," said Ms. Panarese.

Those who participated in the safety training seem pleased by the end of the session with what they learned.

"The water is extremely cold in Alaska and people panic, you don't have too much time. So you need to know what you're doing," said Karl Miller.

For more information, call 552-4599, or if interested in renting equipment from the ORC or looking for other classes or trips, call 552-2023.