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, Sept. 11, at the David Rancourt River Preserve, Tall Pines Drive.

Sheriff’s Deputy David Rancourt dedicated his life to serving others, locally that commitment included safety on the waterways. For that reason, the site where he first taught water safety to area youths was dedicated in his name in 2008.

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 and its focus on the young people of Lewiston-Auburn,” said Jonathan LaBonte, executive director for LA Trails.

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.

“Working with the Androscoggin Land Trust, we will be able to give the message to ‘think water safety’ when using this beautiful resource,” he said.

The training session will begin at 2 p.m. and is family friendly. Those interested in attending should contact LA Trails at 782-2302 or e-mail [email protected].