Riverwatch Captain Boatbuilding

Nineteen Riverwatch Captains, Riverkeeper staff and friends gathered at the Buffalo Maritime Center this past weekend for two days of boatbuilding madness. Our efforts produced four sturdy vessels, including one 6-hour canoe and three 8-hour canoes. We will be adding to the fleet on an annual basis, so don't miss next year's session. Many thanks to Dick Butz of the Maritime Center and his wife Gail, who designed the boats, led the session and put up with us all weekend!!

Mysterious Buffalo River lightboat

This suspicious vessel was spotted near Seneca Street on Buffalo River last week. Anyone with information should contact the U.S. Border Patrol immediately.

Water Safety Training at Wendt Beach

On June 30, fourteen intrepid captains, staff, and teachers ventured to Wendt Beach on Lake Erie for a water safety/rescue training led by Carol Reis of Erie Community College.

Captains received classroom instruction on water safety and rescue strategies and then braved a choppy, windy Lake Erie to practice their new skills.

In the photo above, Riverwatch program director Robbyn Drake cruises toward the shore on an ocean kayak. (Note she is wearing her life preserver!)