Paddling is a great way to experience Alabama’s abundant water resources—more than 132,000 miles of freshwater—firsthand while enjoying outdoor physical activity with friends and family. Since the program’s launch in 2016, RiverKids participants, have paddled more than 1,000 miles of freshwater while gaining hands-on knowledge about key environmental and resource management issues that affect Alabama’s waterways.

RiverKids is essential to promoting healthy lifestyles rooted in outdoor recreation while fostering appreciation of and engagement with Alabama’s diverse natural resources for people of all ages and backgrounds. The program gives adult paddling leaders practical leadership experience and competencies in areas such as paddling, basic aquatic recreation safety, wilderness and remote first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). These leaders, in turn, help youth ages 9 to 18 develop paddling and water safety skills while learning about the importance of Alabama’s freshwater ecosystems.

Impact

In 2025, RiverKids aquatic programming engaged 1,008 adults and youths in 35 counties, enabling them to paddle 188 miles on 20 of the state’s waterways. Participants earned 58 adult leader certifications in wilderness and remote first aid, CPR, and small watercraft operation and aquatic safety. Strong community partnerships, sponsorships, and dedicated volunteers and staff make this work possible. Local organizations, community groups, and Extension offices collaborate to provide resources, expertise, and support, ensuring that RiverKids remains accessible and impactful across Alabama.

Participation

Counties currently supporting a RiverKids program include Autauga, Barbour, Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Cleburne, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Cullman, DeKalb, Fayette, Jackson, Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Randolph, Russell, St. Clair, Shelby, Tallapoosa, and Winston Counties. To learn more about RiverKids offerings in your community, contact your county Extension office.