Adirondack Chapter’s Adironduck Quacks About Safety

The Adirondack Chapter’s Adironduck Project began in 1987 with the kit boat donation from ACBS to several chapters. We began construction on the shores of Lake George in September of 2007 at the ACBS Annual Meeting. Now in its 17th year, the Adirondack Chapter has been providing rides at boat shows in Old Forge and Lake George as part of its outreach and education outreach to children and families. Safety is a central message to the ride experience.

All children and adults (when they accompany children) are fitted with appropriate PFDs as parents watch, learn and often participate. (many of our passengers are first-timers in a boat!) A dock-hand chapter member is stationed on the dock to fit PFDs, help children board safely, and then release and receive the boat.

The ship’s captain ALWAYS wears an inflatable PFD to set the example. Proper boarding is discussed with reminders to always keep hands in the boat. Smaller children are given a toy Duck to hold to keep hands on something instead of hanging off the side. Vessel operation is limited to hull speed only with passengers on board. It is properly outfitted with fire extinguisher, sound signaling device and never travels beyond the view of parents and the dock hand.

In 2028 the Duck will turn 20 and we will have a recognition event at both the Old Forge and Lake George shows. A testament to community spirit and engaging our youth (and their adults) to take on-water safety seriously, the Adironduck continues to be a favorite at Adirondack Chapter shows.