Press Release July 21, 2023
The Peshtigo Area Chamber of Commerce along with the Peshtigo School District, Peshtigo Boys Scout Troop
1054, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Peshtigo Wild Goose River Kayak Group, and Ed Langer
Concrete and Masonry sponsored and supported the construction of the “Kids Don’t Float” kiosk loaner station
located at the Peshtigo River Kayak Launch in the City of Peshtigo.
The purpose of this program is to promote safe boating and help ensure all boats are properly equipped with
personal flotation devices as required by law.
We encourage all boaters to complete a pre-inspection before launch to ensure all safety items are on board.
Wisconsin Law requires that all vessels (including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards) must have at least one
USCG-approved Type I, II, III, or IV life jacket for each person on board. In addition to the requirement for life
jackets, one USCG-approved Type IV PFD, must be on board vessels 16 feet or longer and be readily accessible.
Life jackets must be in good/serviceable condition and of the proper size for the intended wearer.
If you find after pre-inspection that you are missing a required life jacket, you can borrow one from a “Kids Don’t
Float” station at no cost and return it after use. These stations are equipped with adult, children, infants, and Type IV
personal floatation devices. This program is honor-based, and program sponsors will inspect the stations
periodically.
Stations are put out before Memorial Day weekend and continue through Labor Day weekend each year. Usage of
the loaner PFDs are also available for the general public not using the kayak launch.
Special recognition and thanks go out to Boy Scout Kyle Rupert and his supportive parents Carrie and Kevin Rupert.
Kyle is a recent graduate of Peshtigo High School and a Boy Scout with Troop 1054. Kyle is pursuing his highest
achievement requirements as a Boy Scout to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.
Eagle Scout requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges, 14 of which are mandatory for the award. This
includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Eagle Scouts are
presented with a medal and badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout.
Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America program. Since its
inception in 1911, only four percent of Scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy review process. The Eagle Scout
rank has been earned by over 2.5 million youth.
We wish Kyle Rupert the best in his efforts in attaining his prestigious Eagle Scout rank.
Left to Right: Director (PACoC), Chairman Peshtigo Wild Goose River Kayak Group Marty Zeske and Boy Scout
Kyle Rupert
Left to Right: Parents Kevin Rupert, Carrie Rupert, and Boy Scout-Project Manager Kyle Rupert
