NACON 2015 San Antonio, Texas
National RBS Program Mission Statement To minimize loss of life, personal injury, property damage, and the environmental impact associated with the use of recreational boats, through preventative means, in order to maximize the safe use and enjoyment of United States waterways by the public.
Why are we here? As qualified Vessel Examiners of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, we are respected for our knowledge in the area of Recreational Boating Safety. We are supposed to be well trained as qualified Vessel Examiners We are supposed to educate the people we encounter during Vessel Safety Checks We have succeeded in our job for years with sail boaters, power boaters, and even Personal Watercraft operators We ARE the EXPERTS! But when it comes to the paddling community we are
Why are we failing? Paddlers don t trust power boaters & they connect us with power boating Paddlers do not consider themselves boaters Our Vessel Examiners don t know much about the Paddle Craft community We are not familiar with all the specialized gear that goes with the sport We don t speak their language We are looked at as enforcers I m sure there are other reasons can you name some? A BIG reason is that We haven t taken the time to educate ourselves about their sport!
What is a Paddle Craft? United States Coast Guard Definition: From 33 CFR 173 definitions: Paddle craft means a vessel powered only by its occupants, using a single or double bladed paddle as a lever without the aid of a fulcrum provided by oarlocks, thole pins, crutches, or similar arrangements.
Types of Paddle Craft KAYAKS: Sea, Touring, Recreational, Sit on Top, Inflatable, Folding, Modular, Fishing, Whitewater, etc CANOES: Recreational, Whitewater, Racing, River Tripping, Wilderness Tripping, Specialty Use, etc PADDLEBOARDS: Stand-up, Wave Boards for SUP Surfing, Cruise/Explore, Inflatables, Racebards, Whitewater, Yoga & Fitness Boards, etc.. PEDAL BOATS & ROW BOATS
Some Examples of Paddle Craft
Why are we so concerned with Paddle Craft safety? It s the fastest growing on the water platform today Ease of obtaining one No formal training needed Cheaper than a boat or PWC Paddle Craft fatalities are on the rise No training Paddler s skill & experience Limited understanding of NAVRULES Not wearing a life jacket Various other reasons Can you name some?
1000 RECREATIONAL BOATING FATALITIES 900 800 700 610 600 500 400 300 200 135 100 0 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 ALL BOATS PADDLECRAFT Linear (PADDLECRAFT)
Paddle Craft Statistics 2009-2013 2014 88% OF ALL FATALITIES WERE DUE TO DROWNING 75-78% OF DROWNINGS - NOT WEARING A LIFE JACKET 89% OF ALL FATALITIES WERE DUE TO DROWNING 81% OF DROWNINGS - NOT WEARING A LIFE JACKET
Commonalities What Do We Know Most Paddle Craft fatalities occur: Timeframe: On a Saturday afternoon in July Location: On a lake, pond, reservoir, or dam Weather: Clear skies, winds 0-6 mph Water: Calm, waves less than 6 inches The majority of paddlers never took any kind of boating safety class!!!
AND WHY THE SUDDEN INCREASE IN PADDLECRAFT ACTIVITY?
BOATER PADDLER SPORTSMAN? Paddling my kayak is an inexpensive way for me to be on the water, enjoy nature and get some exercise all at the same time. I don t own a boat I don t even want to own one. I just want to paddle around and enjoy myself.
Who is operating these Paddle Craft? CANOES KAYAKS MOST POPULAR AGE GROUP : 6-17 YEARS OLD 50% ARE ON THE WATER LESS THAN 4 TIMES A YEAR MOST POPULAR AGE GROUP: 25-44 YEARS OLD 63% ARE ON THE WATER 3 OR LESS TIMES A YEAR BY FAR- THE MOST POPULAR OF ALL PADDLESPORTS
Purchasing a Paddle Craft Majority of Paddle Craft are purchased from: Local sporting good stores Big Box Stores Not specialty Paddle Craft Retailers where prices might be higher but staff is more knowledgeable Why is this not good? Many sales representatives are not Paddlers Lack paddle craft knowledge They don t know what safety equipment to recommend
Ease of Purchase
What can we do to make a difference? Before we answer this, we need to know our limits As Vessel Examiners we don t: Teach people to operate their vessels Offer advice on making repairs to vessels Tell boaters how to raise their sails and sail Can you think of any other examples? We can use our time during a Vessel Safety Check to educate paddlers on safety, paddling educations courses available, and other recommended items that they might not be aware of.
The Vessel Examiners role in Paddle Craft Safety As VE s, we need to think WHAT DO WE HAVE TO BRING TO THE PADDLING COMMUNITY? Safe Boating Knowledge An understanding of Boating Safety Laws Nautical Rules of the Road
Gaining trust in a new community First, we have to admit that we aren t all Paddle Craft Experts. Don t come off as such you will be finished before you start Show a genuine interest in learning about paddling/paddlers Make your initial introductions to paddlers/clubs informal, but professional Take the initative to EDUCATE yourself about paddling and all the safety gear related to the sport Have the knowledge to discuss these things and know what your talking about fakers will be identified immediately Offer suggestions and make conversation about the Recommended Items listed on the 7012A Form
Let s take a few minutes to review HOW CAN WE GAIN THE PADDLERS/PADDLING COMMUNITIES TRUST? IS OUR PADDLING SAFETY KNOWLEDGE AT THE LEVEL IT SHOULD BE? HOW DO WE, AS AN AUXILIARY, MAKE AN IMPACT WITHIN THE PADDLECRAFT COMMUNITY? OUR ATTITUDE SAYS IT ALL!
Dealing with 3 Distinct Paddling Groups THE INDIVIDUAL PADDLER PADDLING CLUBS LIVERIES & RENTAL LOCATIONS
Dealing with The Individual Paddler THIS IS NOT YOUR EVERYDAY VESSEL SAFETY CHECK: A Paddle Craft VSC is not just a Life Jacket and a whistle Use the time to discuss additional items Safety equipment for different type of paddling Rules of the Road Possibly taking a paddling course for familiarization USE THEIR LANGUAGE: It s a Paddle Craft, not a boat It s a voluntary examination, not an inspection FOCUS ON 3 TOPICS: Water Safety & equipment Examination of the Paddle Craft Rules of the Road
Dealing with The Individual Paddler Make use of the 7012a Form during a Paddle Craft VSC: It was designed to provide the VE talking points Follow and discuss the listed Recommended items Remember with proactive self study you will know what these items are before you conduct the VSC Life Jackets Sound producing device Overall vessel condition Hatch covers Bulkheads /air bags / floatation Serviceable paddle VDS (as required) Navigation lights (as required) State and local requirements
Dealing with The Individual Paddler Additional talking points : LIFE JACKETS - The most important piece of safety equipment Comfort is important Life jackets work only when worn Look for quality and quick drying material Type III lifejackets are often recommended Wear bright clothing: Paddle craft are often difficult to see Large vessels often are not looking for paddle craft and in rough water a white paddle craft is nearly invisible When operating in large bodies of water, rough water, high traffic areas, opt for high visibility paddle craft, clothing and accessories Speaking of clothing make certain to take into account the weather and water temperature
Dealing with The Individual Paddler Additional talking points : CARRY AN I.D. ON YOUR PERSON The reasons are obvious PLACE AN IF FOUND DECAL ON YOUR BOAT: Unoccupied vessels can cause needless SAR cases LEAVE A FLOAT PLAN WITH A FRIEND OR RELATIVE A simple note of where you re going, when you ll return, who you are traveling with and a description of your boat will help determine if you require assistance SPRAY SKIRTS (sometimes called spray decks) Designed to keep water from flooding into the cockpit in rough water Don't waste your money if doesn t make a watertight seal
Dealing with The Individual Paddler Additional talking points : PADDLES (It s only an oar if used in a row boat) Different styles. Can be made of many different materials Personal choice HELMETS Suggested use in whitewater, surf, tide races, breaking waves etc. Different helmets should be tried Comfort and full head protection are equally important decision factors THE LIST OF EQUIPMENT COULD GO ON AND ON.. Our responsibility is to help the boater to THINK about what they need to carry, depending on their type of boating
WATERPROOF GEAR BAGS
Emphasizing Paddler Safety Remember your initial interaction with this paddler may be their first and only exposure to paddle craft safety: Explain the importance of taking a formal paddling course Stress the importance of having an If Found decal Explain why they should have a Vessel Safety Check conducted on their paddle craft Discuss how they are expected to follow the same rules of the road as other vessels Make sure that you are familiar with and can identify and explain how to use additional recommended safety equipment Remember, as a Vessel Examiner, YOU are expected to be knowledgeable in all aspects of paddling. This means that you may have to take the time and initiative to self educate yourself prior to going out and conducting paddle craft VSC s.
Expanding our reach PADDLE CRAFT CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS: Good place to reach paddlers of all experience types Develop relationships with organizers Start with a friendly talk, not a presentation Let them know that you are here to help educate paddlers and are not a law enforcement entity Ask to be invited to their events to conduct Vessel Safety Check s Can be located in the yellow pages or on the internet Think outside the box Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, local and state recreation programs These all have and use paddle craft Approach these locations with these things in mind: Don t come off as an expert in paddle craft if you are not Their willingness to cooperate /participate depends on your first impression You are a representative of the Coast Guard
Expanding our reach LIVERIES & RENTAL FACILITIES: Great places to reach a large number of new inexperienced paddlers Build friendship with owner/management & make a new RBS Partner Large groups of paddles in a local area Provide up to date paddling materials Can be located in the local yellow pages or on the internet Approach these locations with these things in mind: Understand your dealing with a money making business Their willingness to cooperate /participate depends on your first impression You are a representative of the Coast Guard You are there to help them develop good safety practices Ensure that they have the knowledge and resources to relate the boating safety message to their customers
Examining Paddle Craft Rental Equipment KEEP YOUR STANDARDS HIGH: Someone s life may depend on it EXAMINE EACH PADDLE CRAFT CAREFULLY: Know how to identify problems/issues Report problems to management, and explain the issue DON T FORGET TO EXAMINE THE RENTAL LIFE JACKETS: Quality Quantity Available sizes Do they have infant, children, and youth sizes too?
The Paperwork Complete a 7012-A for every examination Be sure to sign and date each form Summarize your examinations on a ANSC 7038 REMEMBER: The job s not done until the paperwork is submitted
Reflection As Vessel Examiners What is our primary goal? To accomplish this goal we need to realize that the paddling and boating communities are ever changing entities. Technology and advances in recreational water activities dictate, that with new inventions, come new rules and regulations. In order for us to continue to provide the best Recreational Boating Safety information we can, we as Vessel Examiners need to continue to educate ourselves.
Questions?
Presented by: National Directorate of Vessel Examination and Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Programs