BANGOR – The public is invited to attend a free Paddle Smart from the Start kayak safety symposium Friday, May 18, at the YMCA in Bangor.

If you paddle or know someone who does, this is a good opportunity to learn the basics before heading out on our lakes and ponds and on the ocean.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and for the next three hours those attending will have the opportunity to learn about rescue techniques, personal flotation devices, paddles, boats, essential equipment and proper paddling clothing, communicating from your boat and navigation basics.

Maine Island Trail Association, The Map Store in Old Town, U.S. Coast Guard, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and others will have informational displays, and the Y swim team will operate a food concession.

The symposium is sponsored by Castine Kayak Adventures (www.castinekayak.com), Cadillac Mountain Sports (www.cadillacsports.com) and the YMCA in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to help kick off Safe Boating Week.

Drawings will be held at 9:15 p.m. for three personal flotation devices, a kayak paddle and a three-month membership to the YMCA for one. Contact Lydia Morgan or Donna Cowan at the Y at 941-2815, Ext. 24, for more information.