Reservist builds safety program for Ohio River Way Paddlefest

  • Published
  • By Stacy Vaughn
  • 445th Public Affairs
WRIGHT PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Thousands of paddlers enjoying the natural and urban beauty of the Ohio River during the 8th Annual Ohio River Way Paddlefest June 26 and 27 will do so under new safety measures built and implemented by a reservist assigned to the 445th Airlift Wing.

Master Sgt. Larry Stultz, 445th Airlift Wing Ground Safety Office, volunteered to write the safety program for the Cincinnati event after realizing an established safety program never existed. As an avid kayaker, he understands the unique aspects of water sports and safety.

"I found out through friends that they didn't have a safety program. So I approached the organizers and told them I could write one," Sergeant Stultz said. "They were just overjoyed that I volunteered to help out."

Since there was never an established safety program, he had to build one from scratch. "It's a matter of putting together a basic, written safety program and establishing a sense of order to what started out to be a backyard party that grew and grew. It is now a two-day event with thousands of attendees, safety classes, shows, exhibits, and live concerts," Sergeant Stultz said.

According to the Paddlefest Web site, Paddlefest is the country's largest on-water paddling event at Cincinnati's historic Coney Island amusement park. The first day features the largest outdoor environmental education and water safety event for youth in Ohio. More than 6,000 Cincinnati-area children will learn about water safety and the environment. The second day of the event offers a full day of canoe and kayak racing in the metro-Cincinnati area, which includes a 14-mile pro race, a 9-mile amateur race, and an 8-mile float.

Sergeant Stultz said his first challenge was to identify all the risks associated with the event. "Identifying risks is a basic first step all event organizers should consider, whether they are planning a small bake sale or a large city-wide activity," he said.

Paddlefest includes a festival and concert at Coney Island, then an eight-mile stretch of the Ohio River with events scattered along the shoreline with another festival at the downtown Cincinnati Riverfront. Risks must be identified with each event.

"For example, things to consider are river levels, winds and forecasted weather. So we're just setting basic safety criteria," Sergeant Stultz said.

He also said they were granted permission by the Coast Guard to close the Ohio River to all powered boat and barge traffic along the eight-mile stretch being used, allowing the paddle-powered boats free and safe access to the entire river for three hours.

"Many of the paddlers will be first-timers so basic water safety rules will be briefed to all participants. Use of life vests is mandatory," Sergeant Stultz said.

There will be roughly 45 powered safety boats on the river to include search and rescue from local fire departments and Coast Guard patrols. The Cincinnati Fire Department will have their fire boat shooting water cannons at the finish line.

Sergeant Stultz said his safety plan will also include how to respond to various situations that may take place during the two-day event.

"What if someone becomes ill or is too tired to finish while on the river? By anticipating such situations, we can be better prepared. Under the new safety guidelines, volunteer safety spotters will paddle among the crowds on the river bank looking for problems," Sergeant Stultz said.

He added that there will be designated take-out points along the river bank for emergencies and protocol for calling 9-1-1 with pre-coordinated areas to meet emergency personnel. These efforts have been coordinated with the Coast Guard, Ohio agencies and local emergency authorities.

"In general, kayaking is a safe sport. The safety guy always plans for the worst, while providing the best so that attendees can relax and enjoy the event with their friends and family," Sergeant Stultz said.

For more information about Paddlefest, visit http://www.ohioriverway.org/paddlefest.