AUXPAD Program: Perfect for Florida Weather!

Source: http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=B-DEPT&category=auxpad

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has initiated a paddlecraft safety outreach program called Auxiliary Paddlecraft, or AUXPAD. There are two components, AUXPAD Ashore Outreach, and AUXPAD Afloat Outreach. AUXPAD Ashore will include traditional dockside Auxiliary boating safety activities such as public education, public affairs, literature drops at vendors, and vessel safety exams. AUXPAD Afloat is a new element in which the Auxiliary will go on the water in kayaks to deliver safety messages to novice and occasional paddlers.

Paddle sports are a fast-growing segment of recreational boating in the US. Unfortunately, as participation has grown, so have the number of fatalities and accidents related to paddlesports. The Coast Guard wants the Auxiliary to educate this community about safety practices.

The program targets new paddlers, novice paddlers, and occasional paddlers. Auxiliary paddlers will be expected to be experienced and obtain the required training and/or certifications.

The program has three major safety messages for the public: the need to have and wear a proper life jacket, the need to be prepared and have proper safety equipment, and the need for general awareness about all aspects of paddling safety, including situational awareness and the need to practice skills.

AUXPAD Ashore Outreach involves Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) activities targeted toward recreational paddlecraft users. Ashore activities include classroom outreach and instruction, literature distribution, promotion of safety courses and materials, paddlecraft vessel safety checks (VSC), and promotional displays. Any Auxiliarist may execute AUXPAD Ashore at a pier, dockside, convention center, store location, classroom, or similar venue.

AUXPAD Afloat Outreach is an extension of ashore activities. AUXPAD Afloat Outreach activities place qualified AUXPAD operators in direct contact with recreational paddlecraft users on the water. It promotes paddlecraft RBS via personal example and allows Auxiliarists to assimilate with the paddlecraft community and develop networks to promote boating safety. Only kayaks offered for use and approved by the Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX) may be utilized for AUXPAD Outreach Afloat activities.

Auxiliary Paddlecraft operators will work directly with coastal kayakers while on the water, serving as exemplars of paddling skill and safety practices and sources of safety information. Patrols will be anywhere paddlers congregate to interact with them. This is an RBS mission, not an operations mission.

For more information on how to qualify for the onthe-water program, have your kayak approved as an AUXPAD facility, and other questions about program requirements, visit http://wow.uscgaux.info/ content.php?unit=B-DEPT&category=auxpad