Paddle for Suicide Prevention
Paddle for Prevention Benefits of Being on the Water
- Can be used to help manage PTSD
- Lowers stress and anxiety levels
- Elevates and sustains feelings of Happiness
- Can enhance quality of conversations.
- Being in the water helps the body alter the balance of epinephrine and dopamine to the levels of a meditative state. You will learn to focus on all aspects of paddling from water safety, navigating, stroke technique, board control, balance & coordination, equipment, and education.
- Physical Health: It provides a full body workout, improving cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility.
Why does water impact us in this way?
Being around or near water chemically affects our brain and how we feel. It can increase neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. Colloquially, these neurotransmitters are referred to as the happiness hormone, the feel-good hormone, and the cuddle hormone. It can also decrease cortisol and stress. Blue Mind is described as the “mildly meditative state we fall into when near, in, on or under water” says Wallace J. Nichols. He’s the marine biologist who wrote the well-known book “Blue Mind: The surprising science that shows how being near, in, on, or under water can make you happier, healthier, more connected, and better at what you do” in 2014.
His research showed that being close to or in water provides a long list of benefits for our mind and body. This includes an increased sense of well-being and happiness, and lowered stress, anxiety, heart, and breathing rate. Nichols proposes that Blue Mind is the solution to “Red Mind” – or the stressed, overstimulated state that most of us have experienced in modern life.
Hours of availability: Tuesdays & Saturdays 8 am-4 pm depending on launch sites. For groups, families, companies, and individuals. Under 12 accompanied by a parent. Our guides are First responders, nurses, doctors, lived experience with suicide, and area athletes.
- Each participant receives a suicide prevention kit with referrals
- Free Narcan with education
- Free gun lock if needed
What to Bring
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Water
- Water Shoes
- Towel
Paddle for Suicide Prevention
Classes Offered
- Water Rescue & Beach Safety Operations-Volunteer training focused on shallow-water response, safety protocols, and emergency preparedness.
- Continuing Education Units (CEUs)-Accredited CEU credits offered for healthcare professionals participating in our volunteer training programs.
- Opioid Overdose Response & Narcan Training-Practical guidance on administering Narcan and handling drug overdose emergencies. Free Narcan provided.
Programs Offered
- 45 min Paws Up for Mental Health for ages 2-11: Music & Literacy for Mental Health that addresses Feelings, Thoughts and Action and will establish a mental health pledge using Gizmo’s Pawesome Guide to Mental Health”. For Libraries, Day Cares, Preschools and Early Elementary.
Paddle for Prevention & Coastal Water Safety Deployment
Our water rescue unit, beach safety operations, and community outreach programs are fully mobile acrosslocal coastal waters and beaches based on scheduled events and community needs.
- Locations: Operational across local beaches, coastal launch areas, and partner community locations.
- Scheduling: Operations, volunteer shifts, and paddle events are conducted by appointment and pre-scheduled deployment.
Safety & Gear: Specialized rescue paddleboards, emergency gear, and safety equipment are provided on site.
Weather Policy: In the event of unfavorable water or weather conditions, land-based walks, outreach, or safety briefings will be conducted.
All equipment will be provided.
Please bring own water and sunscreen
What to wear: Water shoes, hat and sunglasses.
Contact us directly to schedule a location, book a session, or coordinate first responder volunteer deployment.
