Getting Kids out on the Water
Are you looking for a fun, educational way to get your kids out on Alabama’s beautiful waterways? River Kids, now led by Alabama 4-H, is the perfect way to introduce youth to paddling, water safety, and outdoor adventure.
Launched in 2013 with support from the National Park Service, the Alabama RC&D Council, and local partners, River Kids began as a simple but impactful program to teach Alabama’s youth the basics of water safety and stewardship. Today, 4-H RiverKids continues that mission, introducing kids to paddling with hands-on lessons on how to sit in a kayak, hold a paddle, put on a life jacket, and even use a throw-bag!
Since 2016, 4-H RiverKids has paddled over 800 miles of Alabama’s waterways, helping kids connect with nature while learning valuable skills. The program operates in 32 counties, with experienced 4-H instructors leading activities and fun events that teach kids how to stay safe and enjoy the water.
ASRT also supports the program by hosting River Explorers sessions at additional community events as requested, ensuring even more opportunities for your kids to get involved in water recreation.
If you want your kids to experience Alabama’s rivers and streams while learning important safety skills, check with your local 4-H office to find out how to get started with RiverKids today!
Has your child already attended a RiverKids or River Explorers workshop?
Continue your paddling education by getting out on the water with one of the following groups in your area:
- RiverKids – Alabama Cooperative Extension System (aces.edu)
- This program is built directly on our River Explorers model and is offered in 35 counties across Alabama and since 2016 has helped more than 5,000 kids feel comfortable out on the water.
- Instruction – Montgomery Whitewater
- Montgomery Whitewater has expanded their programming to include a Youth School Kayak Program
- Check out these groups that are offering swim lessons and water safety courses in most communities across the state:
ASRT's River Explorers
Alabama Scenic River Trail has partnered with Montgomery Whitewater to hold River Explorers at many of their festivals and events to hold River Explorers.
ASRT offers the River Explorers on land kayaking experience to kids between 6-14 years old at community events as requested to supplement the ongoing 4-H RiverKid efforts. Experiences typically offered through River Explorers are a throw bag demonstration, and a basic kayaking skills, and PFD series.
On average about ten kids are needed to hold the additional program and are awarded a certificate of completion and safety whistle. ASRT is excited to continue supporting the RiverKids 4-H program and River Explorers so that communities across the state can help us encourage a new generation of paddlers to get out on the water!
