New Yorkers Celebrate City Of Water Day

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New Yorkers were encouraged to get up and get out on the water Saturday as City of Water Day events took place across the city. NY1's Ruschell Boone filed the following report.

It wasn't exactly smooth sailing for a group of first timers who got a closer look at the Bronx River than they were hoping for when their canoe turned over. But it didn't dampen their excitement. They just got back in the boat and kept going.

They were among the thousands who took part in City of Water Day events Saturday across the city.

The main event is on Governor's Island but neighborhood events like the one held in Williamsbridge are held throughout the city. The goal is to get people to enjoy the city's more than 500 miles of shoreline.

"It's fun," said one Bronx attendee. "It's something I have never experienced in the Bronx and I'm happy that we have this out here."

"It was really fun. The weather was. It didn't rain," said another. "And we didn't flip over. That was the best. It was good to communicate with each other without outside things like TV and everything."

There was a lot of fun but there was also an educational element. Many got to learn about some the environmental issues facing some of the city's waterways and how they are improving.

Many who went on the water for the first time Saturday said it will not be their last.