Ohio River Trail Council

Youth Kayak & Canoe Program

The Ohio River Trail Council Youth & Canoe program was established in 2011. The ORTC was pleased to present the "United States Coast Guard (USCG) Auxiliary Paddlesports America Safety Course" a four hour presentation with guest speaker Ms. Dana Kirk, the USCG Auxiliary Instructor. Paddlesports America is an exciting safety course designed to attract the novice and experienced paddle enthusiasts.

Topics included understanding paddlecraft characteristics such as:

• hull shapes hull materials, lengths and widths and weights
• paddle types and lengths for both canoe and kayak
• paddlecraft capacity; loading gear in a canoe or kayak; dressing for a safe trip
• transporting your paddlecraft safely; securing the paddlecraft
• conducting a pre-departure check; how to file a float plan
• knowing the responsibilities when paddling with others and sharing the waterways
• how to enter and exit a canoe or kayak safely
• understanding the U. S. Aids to Navigation System (ATONS)
• identifying local hazards on waterways
• completing 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 or personal floatation device
• navigation lights; sound-producing devices and visual distress signals
• protection of the river environment
• proper procedures following a boating accident
• how to minimize the risk of drowning, capsizing, swamping or falling overboard
• how to deal with cold water immersion and hypothermia
• understanding heat related illness; dehydration
• handling weather emergencies
• paddlecraft vessel safety check list