CONOVER — The Southwest Ohio Kayakers (SWOK) will host a kayaking convention that will emphasize introduction to the sport and safety on Sunday, Aug. 20 at Kiser Lake from 1-5 p.m.

The group, found on Facebook at SW Ohio Kayakers, has more than 650 members.

“(We’ve) reached beyond our intended area by adding people from all over Ohio and about 10 other states,” said Tab McBlane.

The Johnson St. Paris Fire Department will be on hand at the event, with donations going toward the purchase of water rescue gear for the department.

“We will have several of our members bringing kayaks for people to take out and try on the lake,” McBlane said. “Heidi Gibson at Kiser Lake also said she would try to contribute some kayaks and personal floatation devices for the event.”

For more information, contact Kristin Lewber at 937-875-0682 or [email protected] or Todd Goodman at 419-310-7441 or [email protected].