With Newport Folk and Jazz Festival weekends drawing thousands of visitors to the water, the Newport Harbormaster is reminding paddlers and boaters to take extra precautions on what becomes one of the busiest stretches of Newport Harbor all summer.
Kayaks, paddleboards, sailboats, launches, ferries, and powerboats all share the harbor during festival weekends, creating challenging conditions — particularly for inexperienced paddlers.
The Harbormaster is asking paddlers to wear a life jacket at all times, stay alert to boat traffic, carry a whistle or other sound-producing device, wear bright clothing to increase visibility, and plan to be off the water before dark. Those paddling at dusk should carry a white light.
Boaters are asked to slow down, minimize wake, maintain a careful lookout, and give paddlers plenty of room near festival venues, channels, and fairways.
The Newport Harbormaster, its paddle safety team, and partner public safety agencies will be on patrol throughout both festival weekends.
Paddlers interested in the Harbormaster’s free paddle safety classes — which have seated nearly 300 people over the past three years — can reach the paddle safety program at NewportPaddles@newportri.gov or 720-320-3624.
