Paddles broke the surface of the water in Jamaica Bay as a group of about 30 kayakers left the shore in one of many City of Water Day events.

Organizations in Rockaway came together for the sixth annual Jamaica Bay Festival, which celebrates the waterways of the region.

"It's really a day to celebrate the diversity of opportunities — to get on water and next to water and be in community," said Terri Carta, the executive director of the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy.

There were free events throughout the day on both the Brooklyn and Rockaway side of the bay. The events highlighted activities people can do around the water throughout the summer.

"Everything from kayaking and paddleboarding to movie festivals and water safety classes and environmental education, and so many other things in between," Carta said.

One of those events was a kayak parade hosted by the East Coast chapter of the Black Surfing Association.

The organization gives free surfing lessons to children who might not normally have the opportunity to learn. Some of those students participated in the parade through the bay last year and came back on Saturday.

"They're going to see all types of animal species that they haven't seen before," said Lou Harris, the founder of the East Coast chapter of the Black Surfing Association.

The Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy organized the festival for its sixth year, bringing together community organizations and sponsors.

Hank Lewis, the owner of Surf Skate Fitness, gave out free paddleboard lessons on Saturday and highlighted the importance of safety.

"I'm providing free lifejackets to like the first 20 people to show up and some safety training for the water," Lewis said. "The day is about teaching people to appreciate and respect spaces like the bay. And I just feel like way too many people drowned in Rockaway. And if I could be a force to save one person from drowning, then I feel very successful."

Those celebrating City of Water Day hope more people around the city learn to respect and enjoy the water surrounding the five boroughs.