USCG Auxiliary Certification Classes
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Spring 2026 Class Offering
Smart Start for Paddling- in partnership with the American Canoe Association (Tue June 9th)
This 2-hour class will cover key aspects of safe paddling with reference to paddling in the local area, including in and around the Thimble Islands, and local lakes and rivers. In addition to the “top five” messages:
- Wear a life jacket that is properly fitted
- Take an introductory on-water paddling class
- Paddle with a safety-conscious group
- Plan for the weather and the water temperature
- Paddle sober
other topics will include:
- Gear – Importance of life jackets, types of paddle craft and terminology, clothing, communication on the water and navigation tools.
- Skills – Safe boarding of paddle craft, boat handling (dealing with wind, waves, and currents), navigating your paddle craft, unplanned capsizes and rescues
- Planning – Planning your outing, paddling in the local area, what gear to bring, float plans, checking weather and water conditions.
- Decision making – Go / No Go considerations, paddling with a group, paddling in and around other boats, rules of the road