Public Education

Canoeists and kayakers are boaters also. Now, there is a course available to
address the unique needs of this audience. Paddlesports America is an exciting
safety course designed to attract the novice paddle enthusiasts. This four-hour
course presents five chapters of safety information

Topics include
• Know Your Paddlecraft - parts of a canoe and kayak; understanding
paddlecraft characteristics such as basic types, hull shapes hull materials,
lengths and widths and weights; selecting your paddle for both canoe and
kayak.
• Before You Get Underway - knowing your paddlecraft’s capacity and how
to file a float plan; transporting your paddlecraft; conducting a predeparture
check; dressing for a safe trip; loading gear in a canoe or kayak;
storing paddle craft; the responsibilities when paddling with others.
• Operating Your Boat Safely - how to enter and exit a canoe or kayak
safely; securing the paddlecraft and sharing the waterways with others;
the U. S. Aids to Navigation System (ATONS); learning about local
hazards on waterways.
• The Legal Requirements of Boating -vessel registration, hull identification
numbers and who may operate a paddlecraft; unlawful operation of
paddlecraft; Homeland Security restrictions; policies on alcohol and drugs.
Life jackets; navigation lights; sound-producing devices and visual distress
signals; protection of environment and what to do if in a boating accident.
State specific information may be added at the end of this chapter.
• Boating emergencies… What to Do - minimizing the risk of drowning,
capsizing, swamping or falling overboard; emergency techniques; how to
deal with cold water immersion and hypothermia; understanding heat
related illness; dehydration; handling weather emergencies