LEWISTON – LA Trails, a program of the Androscoggin Land Trust, and the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department will hold a water safety training course on Saturday, June 13, at the David Rancourt River Preserve, Tall Pines Drive.

Sheriff’s Deputy David Rancourt dedicated his life to serving others, particularly when it came to water safety. For that reason, the site where he taught water safety to area youths was dedicated last year in his name.

The goal of the training will be to teach kids, paddlers and those who fish and enjoy other water-oriented activities to be safe around the water in order to prevent accidents, as well as what to do in emergency situations.

“The vision to reintroduce recreation along the Androscoggin River to the communities that line its banks comes with a responsibility to encourage safe use of this amazing resource. We are thankful for the partnership that’s been formed to accomplish this,” said Jonathan LaBonte, executive director for ALT.

The Androscoggin Sheriff’s Department Water Response Team is dedicated to teaching youth about water safety. “The Androscoggin River has turned into a beautiful waterway with more people using it for recreational use. We at the Sheriff’s Department want to remind everyone that certain times of the year the river can be dangerous, and we hope to give safety tips that can help people enjoy the river and be safe,” said Captain Ray Lafrance of the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department.

The training session will begin at 10 a.m. and is family friendly. Those interested in attending should contact LA Trails at 782-2302 or e-mail [email protected].

For more information, contact LA Trails or call the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department at 784-7361, ext. 237.