Water Safety Program - David Rancourt River Preserve
September 11, 2010
Sheriff's Deputy David Rancourt dedicated his life to serving others, locally that committed included safety on our waterways. For that reason, the site where he first taught water safety to area youths was dedicated in his name in 2008.
On Saturday, September 11, 2010, the David Rancourt River Preserve in Lewiston will be the location for a water safety course that is a joint project of LA Trails, a program of the Androscoggin Land Trust, which owns the 14-acre preserve, and the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Department. The goal is to teach kids, paddlers, and those who fish and enjoy other water-oriented activities to be safe around the water in order to prevent accidents, as well as what to do in emergency situations.
“The vision to reintroduce recreation along the Androscoggin River to the communities that line its banks comes with a responsibility to encourage safe use of this amazing resource. We are thankful for the partnership that’s been formed to accomplish this and its focus on the young people of Lewiston-Auburn,” says Jonathan LaBonte, Executive Director for LA Trails.
The Androscoggin Sheriff’s Department Water Response Team is dedicated to teaching youth about water safety. "The Androscoggin River has turned into a beautiful waterway with more people using it for recreational use. We at the Sheriff’s Department want to remind everyone that certain times of the year the river can be dangerous, and we hope to give safety tips that can help people enjoy the river and be safe. Working with the Androscoggin Land Trust, we will be able to give the message to 'think water safety' when using this beautiful resource," says Captain Ray Lafrance of the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department.
The training session begins at 2:00pm and is family friendly. Interested people or those seeking to attend with are encouraged to RSVP to LA Trails at 782-2302 or email info@latrails.org so we might have an accurate count for handouts and snacks.
The David Rancourt River Preserve is located on Tall Pines Drive in Lewiston. From Route 202 in Lewiston, take Northwood Road (just south of Marden's Shopping Center); left on Tall Pines Drive approximately .2 mile. Trail head is on the right. Street parking only.
Event Details: Saturday September 11th – 2 PM David Rancourt River Preserve Tall Pines Drive, Lewiston, Maine Parking available on the street.
LA Trails, a program of the Androscoggin Land Trust, was founded in 2001 and advocates for trail development and stewardship and works to transform the quality of life in Lewiston and Auburn by helping to develop the most comprehensive, accessible, and well-used trail system in Maine. The Androscoggin Land Trust (ALT) is a membership-supported conservation organization dedicated to protecting the important natural areas, traditional landscapes, and outdoor experience in the Androscoggin River watershed. ALT currently conserves over 3,750 acres of land, including nine miles of riverfront along the Androscoggin River.
For more information, call LA Trails at 207-782-2302, email info@latrails.org