On a bright, sunny November afternoon, David P. Civile launched his new kayak for a short paddle on New Jersey’s Shrewsbury River. The weather that day was what David described as “Amazing.” He never came home.
The David P. Civile Foundation for Boating Safety Awareness is dedicated to promoting awareness of boating safety, the importance and proper use of Personal Floatation Devices and knowledge of environmental factors, such as wind, air and water temperatures. The foundations promotes the belief that “Knowledge through education can save lives.” While the foundation seeks to inform all boaters, they especially target novice boaters using non-motorized recreational crafts, such as kayaks and canoes.
David’s family established the foundation in 2011 following the tragic kayaking accident that resulted in the death of their 26-year-old son on November 17, 2010 in New Jersey. David had purchased his kayak just three weeks before. Being athletic, a strong swimmer, experienced canoeist, having a floatation seat cushion on board and paddling in a river, as opposed to the ocean, no doubt lead to David having a false sense of security. That morning he purchased waterproof pants and called his mom to say he was going out for an hour; the air temperature was 65 F, unseasonably warm and sunny. He launched in ankle-deep water, unaware of the dangers of the cold water temperatures, and strong currents and winds in the main channel.
Despite heroic search and rescue efforts by the Little Silver Police, Coast Guard, State Troopers, local kayak club members, family, friends and even strangers over a four-day period, the realization began to set in that the chances of finding David alive were no longer plausible. The family received the heartbreaking news two years later that their son’s remains were found.
Unfortunately, David’s accident is not an isolated incident. Many people don’t realize, or underestimate, the possible dangers associated with recreational boating.
Over the past two years, the foundation founded in David’s memory has been successful at achieving many goals. They’ve distributed Paddle Safety Rules and other important information provided by the Coast Guard, American Canoe Association and National Safe Boating Council at various street fairs, paddlesport expos and retail stores.
In 2013, after meeting with the Monmouth Park System and NJ Senator Jennifer Beck, there have been Boat Safety signs posted at 13 launch sites throughout the county. They hope to do the same in NJ’s Ocean County.
The foundation has presented programs with the Coast Guard Auxiliary for schools and scouts, and partnered with local retail stores to promote safety, encouraging them to ask the consumer purchasing a kayak pertinent questions; such as, if they have the appropriate gear, safety kit, knowledge of waters they are paddling, and to show the Coast Guard Cold Water Boot Camp 10-minute DVD in stores. The foundation has also donated PFDs and safety kits to first-time kayak consumers like David.
The family’s hope is that David’s Foundation will possibly spare another family from their devastating loss. Visit Thedavidpcivilefoundation.org for more information.
