Float Easy, Petaluma! Floathouse Safety-Launch Fundraiser

PETALUMA, CA —Most cities have parks with swings and slides. Petaluma's largest park is the river, with boats and a float house.

With river use on the rise, the Petaluma Floathouse is launching a $20,000 fundraising campaign to improve on-the-water response, assist paddlers and tours, and keep the river safe for everyone who uses it.

"Petaluma prides itself on being a river town," said Greg Sabourine, one of the volunteers who oversees the Floathouse at the turning basin on the Petaluma River, 50 Water Street.

With grants, donations, and fundraising, the organization has assembled a fleet of watercraft and a series of events — full-moon paddles, high-tide paddles, holiday paddles, and paddle-to-a-sauna — to draw people to the water.

This year, the group is focusing on safety improvements, including a new pontoon boat — a Highfield 360 — just under 12 feet long, with a motor and a drive-up dock to make it easier to haul out.

The drive-on dock system protects the safety launch and the river, Sabourine said. Storing the boat on the dock means they don't need to use toxic bottom paints to prevent barnacles and algae from growing on the underside (aquatic hitchhikers make boats less maneuverable and slower). They are also adding several swim ladders so people can easily exit the boats.

Donations now total $8,845 toward the total $20,000. "It's a long-term project," Sabourine said. "Any amount is welcome."