Paddle Crafts & Safety

Paddling and paddle sport participation has grown dramatically in recent years.  Low entry cost, easy storage, less maintenance and flexibility are just some of the reasons that many people have decided to become paddlers.

Paddle sports are on the rise, setting records for the number of participants. According to the US Coast Guard’s 2020 report on boating accidents, paddle craft deaths went up 22% in 2020. 68% percent of those died while not wearing a life jacket!

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary provides paddling safety courses, safety related literature, vessel safety checks, example float plans and other helpful items like the identification sticker seen below that’s used to identify your boat.

If you would like an identification sticker (like you see above), be interested in a course for your paddling group, or have in interest in joining us in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and would like to learn more, Contact our Flotilla Staff Officer for Public Education or our Flotilla Commander. We would welcome the opportunity to contact you with further information, send out your sticker, and assist with any needs or questions that you might have on paddling safety!