Charleston County parks

For some Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission activities, a chaperon is required for participants 15 and younger.

Registration is required for all programs and some special events.

Call 795-4386 or visit www.ccprc.com to register.

May special events

Waterparks: Charleston County waterparks are open weekends. Splash Zone at James Island County Park. Splash Island at Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park. Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park. Visit splashparks.com or call 795-4FUN (4386) for waterpark hours and rates.

Salsa Under the Stars: The Folly Beach Fishing Pier brings Latin music to Folly Beach again this summer with Salsa Under the Stars on May 9. DJ Luigi of Latin Groove will spice up the night with the best salsa, merengue, bachata and reggaeton. 7-11 p.m. (Gates open at 7 p.m.). Tickets purchased in advance are $8 for Charleston County residents and $10 for noncounty residents. Tickets purchased at the gate (if available) are $10. Only 600 tickets will be sold. Food and beverages available for purchase at Locklear's Beach City Grill and the Gangplank Gift and Tackle Shop. Advance tickets can be purchased at Charleston County parks headquarters building or online at www.ccprc.com. Rain date is May 10. No refunds or exchanges. Call 795-4FUN (4386).

Moonlight Mixer: Join the shaggers at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier on May 30 for this beach tradition. Headlining the event will be DJ Rob Duren. Enjoy beach foods and cold beverages available for purchase on-site at Locklear's Beach City Grill and the pier gift shop. 7-11 p.m. (Gates open at 7 p.m.). Tickets purchased in advance are $8 for Charleston County residents and $10 for noncounty residents. Tickets purchased at the gate (if available) are $10. Only 600 tickets will be sold. Advance tickets can be purchased at Charleston County parks headquarters building or online at www.ccprc.com. Rain date is May 31. No refunds or exchanges. Call 795-4FUN (4386).

May programs

Sea Kayak Instructional Classes — Quickstart: Learn about the sport of kayaking. During this two-hour, hands-on informal program., experienced guides will show you how you can enjoy the local waterways and wildlife from a sea kayak. Preregistration required. James Island County Park. Ages 16 and up. $12/$10 CCR discount. 5:30-7:30 p.m. May 9.

Summer Pier Kickoff fishing Tournament: Join the group at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier for some fun, competitive fishing. Compete for a number of category prizes as you fish off this pier on Folly Beach. Tournament registration begins at 6 a.m. and takes place on-site only, no preregistration permitted. Competitive fishing goes until 4 p.m., and prizes are awarded at 4:15 p.m. Call the Folly Pier at 588-FISH (3474). Folly Beach Fishing Pier. Ages 3 and up. $12/$9 CCR discount/$7 ages 3-12 CCR and NCR $14/$12 CCR discount (King Mackerel). 6 a.m.-4 p.m. May 10.

ACA Sea Kayak Basics: Spend the day learning basic strokes and rescues. Equipment design, fit and use for sea kayaking will be covered. Certified ACA instructors will provide beginning kayakers with the necessary skills to paddle Charleston's protected waters. Preregistration required. James Island County Park. Ages 16 and up. $54/$45 CCR discount. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 10.

Indigo, History of the Dye: During the mid-1700s indigo was an important crop for South Carolina with worldwide ramifications. In-vestigate the history of indigo and how enslaved people cultivated and processed the plant. Bring a T-shirt to dye. Preregistration required. A registered and paid chaperon is required for participants ages 15 and under. Caw Caw Interpretive Center. Ages 9 and up. $15/$12 CCR discount. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. May 10.

Introduction to Climbing — Belaying: This three-hour class will teach you the fundamentals of belaying. You'll learn about knots, harnesses, and belaying and climbing. Participants in this class will be prepared to take a belay test upon their next visit to the Wall. Preregistration required. James Island County Park. Ages 14 and up. $24/$20 CCR discount. 1-4 p.m. May 10.

Sea Kayak Rescue Clinic: Can you recover from an unplanned capsize in rough water? Certified instructors will cover self- and assisted rescues and the strokes that make the rescues efficient. Preregistration required. James Island County Park. Ages 16 and up. $54/$45 CCR discount. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 11.

After-Work Sea Kayak Tours — Charleston Harbor: Close out your work day with a relaxing tour and a watery view of the Charleston skyline. The group will paddle from Sunrise Park on James Island, past The Battery, to homeport at Wappoo Cut Boat Landing. Preregistration required. Meets at off-site location. Ages 16 and up. $36/$30 CCR discount. 5:30-8:30 p.m. May 15.

Wilderness First Aid: This intensive two-day, hands-on certification, taught by Wilderness Medical Associates, covers how to deal with medical emergencies in the wilderness, at summer camp or on the trail. Class supplements lectures with realistic simulations. Preregistration required. James Island County Park. Ages 16 and up. $210/$190 CCR discount. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. May 17-18.