Canadian Safe Boating �Council Symposium 2023

Introduction

• 1980 - 2015 served in the RCMP (BC and NL)
• 2015 – 2022 Reserve Constable program
• Last position – Emergency Management
• Worked with Search and Rescue / GSART in NL
• Started sea Kayaking in 2010
• Currently hold Level 3 Sea Kayak Proficiency
• Level 1 Sea Kayak instructor
• Previously served as President of Paddle NL and agreed to to serve as President again

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About Paddle NL

• Representative for Paddle Canada in Province
• Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Canoeing and Sea Kayaking
• Created in 2013 when canoe and kayak club merged
• Current membership – 371
• Sea kayaking is most popular activity

Stand Up Paddle Board

Canoeing

Kayaking

Activities

• Boating Safety Contribution Program funding for 10 years
• Allows club to fund activities, training and Events that stress water safety.
• Very grateful for funding
• Has contributed greatly to water safety for paddle sports
• Club events promoting safety

Activities – Annual Skills School

Activities Cont’d

Annual Skills School

• Started by Tumblehome Canoe Club
• Ongoing for over 50 years
• Partnership with City of St. John’s
• Canoe, SUP and Basic Kayak courses
• Revenue Stream for PNL
• Very few course providers offering entry level courses

Activities Cont’d

Annual Retreat

• Started by Kayak NL
• Involved Canoes and Whitewater Kayak
• Occurred beginning of paddling season
• Guest speaker brought in
• Skills day
• Ocean paddle best weather day

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Activities – Club Paddles

Activities Cont’d

Club Paddles

• Sea Kayak Paddles during summer months and various locations
• All craft Paddles on Wednesday Nights at area ponds
• Lead and sweeps appointed for safety
• Briefings prior to paddling

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Activities – Club Paddles

Activities – Pool Sessions

Activities Cont’d

Pool Sessions (November to May)

• Aquarena – large pool
• Mostly kayaks
• 24 – 26 watercraft
• Most members will attribute skills development to these sessions
• Roll, Strokes and Rescue Clinics

Working Together

• Boating community share many of same goals; safety, training, socialization
• Emerging Trends; SUP and Recreational kayaking (10-12 ft)
• Recreational kayaking has come to PNL attention
• Lack of safety equipment, training, use on the ocean

Working Together cont’d

• Culture, knowledge and training is key to enhancing safety
• Opportunity for all watersport groups to work together in that regard.

Final Thoughts

FINAL THOUGHTS

• MANY WATER TRAGEDIES ARE PREVENTABLE
• KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE IS CRITICAL
• IMPORTANT TO INSTILL SAFETY CULTURE INTO PUBLIC
• CONTACT WWW:PADDLENL.CA