*This post has been updated to reflect 2023 dates and info.

Come enjoy a paddle across Utah Lake to kick off Water Safety Awareness month this May! The Paddle With Care event is Utah Lake’s first water event of the year and will include a memorial paddle route and a celebration at the American Fork Marina. Participants of the paddling portion of this event may paddle via kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. If paddle sports don’t suit you, you can still enjoy the celebration at the American Fork marina.

After the paddlers have launched, the Utah Lake Commission will be hosting a celebration full of educational booths, food trucks, and games. As part of this event, the Utah Lake Commission will be fundraising for the Utah Lake Life Jacket Loaner Program: an initiative to promote water safety awareness and make life jackets more readily available for public use at the lake. This program is in partnership with the families of Priscilla Bienkowski and Sophia Hernandez, two friends who lost their lives at Utah Lake in 2020. The Utah Lake Commission and the families are implementing a lake-wide life jacket loaner program and community outreach to improve water safety. We will also be honoring the Utah County Search and Rescue along with remembering those who have lost their lives on the lake. 

The Quick Version

Who: We welcome all paddle sport enthusiasts! Whether you kayak, paddleboard, canoe, or more!

What: A 2 ½ mile paddling route for paddle sports. A fundraiser for water safety. A celebration with games, food, and educational booths. All in memory of those that have lost their lives on the lake and in honor of Utah Search and Rescue. This is NOT a competition paddle event.

Where: Paddlers will launch from the Vineyard Beach marina and end at the American Fork marina. The festival portion of the event will take place at the American Fork marina shortly after launch and go a little while after paddlers have arrived at the endpoint.

When: May 20th. Launch begins at 9 AM. Festivities will begin at 9:30 AM and go until after paddlers reach the endpoint around 12 PM.

Why: To spread the joy of paddle sports, raise awareness about water safety, have fun and eat good food, honor search, and rescue, and remember those who have died on the lake.

Stay Safe

This event is all about safe! We expect each paddler to provide their own personal water craft (paddle board, kayak or canoe) and gear, INCLUDING safety gear. We will provide safety training to all paddlers before launch and will have boats along the paddle route for monitoring and resting points for paddlers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?

This event doesn’t cost anything! However, we suggest paddlers to provide a donation to participate. Paddlers may either pay $25 out of pocket at registration or collect $25+ in donations from sponsors. Sponsorships help build the community of the event and help to raise additional donations. Complete the registration form for more information. https://forms.gle/SnKgeNkFS2wLECbM9

How old must I be to participate?

Participants of the paddle portion must be 18 or older. The celebration at the American Fork marina is open to all ages and will be a family-friendly environment.

Do I have to paddle?

No! If paddling isn’t your thing, join us for the celebration at 9:30 AM. There will be games, food, education booths, and activities going on until 12 PM. If you have a friend or relative who will be paddling, don’t worry! They will join you at the celebration as soon as they complete the route.

Do I have to provide my own equipment?

Yes! Should you choose to participate in the paddle portion, you will be required to provide all your own gear and equipment. This includes safety equipment.