<table> </table> Friends of the Kaw is a nonprofit, environmental organization whose mission is to protect and preserve the Kansas (Kaw) River for present and future generations.</p><p>We have worked for more than 10 years to develop recreational access ramps to the Kaw and promote the river as a safe recreation resource for the Kansas City area. We have assisted the communities of Kansas City, Kan.; Edwardsville; De Soto; Wamego and St. George to complete boat ramps and riverfront parks on the Kaw River.</p><p>Boat ramps are in the planning stages for Junction City and Topeka. Our goal is to create a 171-mile linear park with access ramps every 10 miles, a perfect distance for a day float.</p><p>For the most part, the Kaw River is a very shallow, slow moving, scenic river that is appropriate for recreational and novice canoe users and kayakers.</p><p>As Kansas Riverkeeper, an employee of Friends of the Kaw, I have spent many pleasant hours guiding more than 100 group canoe trips for church, community and scouting organizations on the Kaw.</p><p>These floats have included more than 1,000 participants between the ages of 5 and 85 years.</p><p>On our float trips we always stop on one of the many beautiful Kaw River sandbars so participants can relax and explore.</p><p>On our stops we host a hot dog and marshmallow roast and a short, educational &#8220;sand bar seminar.&#8221;</p><p>Occasionally a canoe tips over on the river, but we require that participants wear life jackets. Every participant has safely completed our floats.</p><p>We do not float when thunder storms or high wind are imminent.</p><p>The canoe accident in the Kansas River near Eudora that took the life of Shawn Shaw is tragic and my deepest sympathies go to his family.</p><p>To prevent future tragedies, I recommend that boaters always respect the power of moving water particularly around dams and jetties and be aware of the debilitating effects of the cold water.</p><p>Life jackets should always be worn while boating on a river as the rare, life-threatening situation can arise quickly and without warning.</p><p>The Kansas River is a wonderful recreational resource literally in our back yard for outdoor enthusiasts and families to safely enjoy.</p><p>Visit Friends of the Kaw&#8217;s Web site at <a href="http://www.kansasriver.org">www.kansasriver.org</a> for more information on group floats (Floats and Events) and detailed Kansas River access maps.