Little Manatee River State Park

Essential Eligibility Criteria

Little Manatee River State Park

Moonlight Canoe Trip

In order to participate in this program, one:

·  Must have the ability to follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently or with assistance of a companion or self provided adaptive device.

·  Must have the ability to traverse uneven terrain for up to 1,000 feet one way (from the parking lot to canoe launch), in low light conditions, independently or with the assistance of a companion or self provided mobility device.

·  Must be at least 18 years old or be accompanied by someone 18 years or older in park vessel.

·  Must weigh less than 350 pounds (for 1 registrant), or have a combined weight of 700 (for 2 or 3 registrants).

·  Must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) as designed, as provided by the park in Universal Adult, Adult XL-XXXL, Youth, or Small Child sizes, or provide and wear own PFD meeting same legal requirements, for a duration of up to 2 hrs.

·  Must have the ability to keep head above water in case of capsize, and to swim, float, or make way to shore independently or with assistance from a self-provided adaptive device, for the duration of time it takes to safely reach shore or receive assistance.

·  Must have the ability to lift, grip, and transport 30 pounds, over sloped, slick, uneven terrain and steps, for a distance of up to 40 feet, with assistance from a companion or park staff.

·  Must have the ability to maneuver and balance oneself and maintain control of floating vessel while entering and exiting vessel on potentially slick, uneven terrain and/or moving water, with assistance from a companion or self-provided adaptive device.

·  Must have the ability to sit upright and maintain balance in a canoe or kayak, independently or with the assistance of a companion or self-provided adaptive device.

·  Must have the ability to grip and hold a paddle, independently or with assistance of self-provided adaptive device, or register with 2 companions who are able to.

·  Must have ability to propel, steer, and maneuver canoe or kayak for a distance of up to 2 river miles in a range of river currents, downstream and upstream, in low light conditions, independently or with the assistance of a companion or self-provided adaptive device.*

·  Must have the ability to withstand exposure to the outdoors and insects for up to 2 hours.

NOTE: Participants are recommended to bring insect repellant, water, and a head-lamp (preferably with red light lens option).

* The course for the moonlight canoe program will be determined based on river conditions, water level and current, which may be determined up to the day of the program. Participants may be required to paddle upstream for a distance of up to 1 mile, conditions permitting. Conditions will range from easy to moderately strenuous, for beginners to experienced paddlers.