If every single man, women and child in Ontario County had an above ground 18’ swimming pool that needed to be filled, how long would it take the Canandaigua Outlet to fill them at the current flow rate? This is per person – not per house- so a family of 5 would have 5 pools to fill. Remember this is every town, village and the cities of Geneva and Canandaigua.

The answer is less than 18 hours. The flow rate was in excess of 16,000 gallons per second (2 pools per second).

After discussing the hazards caused by the flooding with some key volunteers, as the Chairman of the Derby I have made the decision to postpone the Wild Water Derby, the Flat Water Regatta, and the Canoe/Kayak Slaloms scheduled for this weekend.

Reasons:

1. The increased force of the water is beyond the safety limits for both paddlers and rescue crews,
2. The shoreline erosion presents new possible unviewed obstacles,
3. All of the flat water has become rapids,
4. the bridge clearances do not allow for most rafts to launch,
5. the technical difficulties of slalom gates are impossible with high water flow rates,
6. the water ratings for the course have increased beyond the published levels submitted on our insurance application, and
7. shoreline safety of young viewers would be more dangerous with the change of water heights.

Even with full sun and no rain for the remainder of the week, the water height under the bridges for the regatta would require carrying the canoes and kayaks across those roads in at least one location in Canandaigua.

Providing that the very generous fireman and swift water rescue teams who donate their time and skills to protect everyone involved are available, the rescheduled date will be May 21st and May 22nd – the weekend between Mothers Day and Memorial Day.***

We’ll post again about it when the re-scheduled dates are confirmed.

Labeling our kayaks and canoes is a small thing, but it can help to avoid big problems.

Kayaks and canoes that go adrift can trigger the Coast Guard and other marine patrollers to initiate a missing boater search. This costs a lot – not just monetarily but emotionally as well.

Very easy to avoid, simply labeling your kayak and/or canoe, as well as your other paddling gear such as your PFD, paddles, etc. can help prevent any turmoil should they go adrift.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxillary has introduced “Operation Paddle Smart” through their “Vessel Safety Check” program in many locations around the country, here’s what it is all about:

The Vessel Safety Check is a complimentary check of your boat conducted by members of the Auxiliary, confirming that it meets both federal and state requirements for safety.

No citations are issued and the results of the safety check are not reported to any enforcement agency, but a decal is awarded to display if the vessel has passed the examination.

An example of some of the items checked include:

• Life Jackets
• Registration and numbering
• Navigation lights
• Ventilation
• Fire extinguishers
• Distress signals (flares, horn, etc.)
• Battery cover and connections

All of these items are currently required by state and federal laws and, if missing or non-operating, can result in a citation if your vessel is inspected by the Coast Guard.

The Vessel Safety Check gives you a risk-free way to check that you meet the legal minimums and to potentially avoid a citation later.

You can contact your local USCG station to see what they offer – many have waterproof stickers with space for you to write your name, address and phone number. For more info, visit: http://www.cgaux.org/vsc/

Or do it yourself – just write out your name, address and phone number in the cockpit of your kayak or canoe with an waterproof marker. Doesn’t get much easier than that! But imagine how much time, money and man-power simply labeling your kayak or canoe can save.