Paddle Craft Safety Training

Paddle Craft Safety Training expands Safety Afloat training to include the skills, as well as the knowledge, needed for a unit leader, or designee, to confidently supervise canoeing or kayaking excursions. Paddle Craft Safety is highly encouraged for unit leaders or their designee. Only one of each session type will be offered in 2025, so plan ahead, prepare, and register early.

Paddle Craft Safety Basic will be held at Skymont July 26th 8:30am - 5:30pm using camp-owned equipment and will complete both Basic Canoe and Basic Kayak in a single weekend course.  Participants may choose to come for the day or camp Friday and/or Saturday night in Lakeview campsite.

Paddle Craft Safety River will be held at Gee Creek Campground August 9-10 on the Hiwassee River and will complete either River Canoe OR River Kayak, but not both.  Paddle Craft Safety Basic is a prerequisite for taking Paddle Craft Safety River.  Participants may use their own gear if it is deemed appropriate for this training.  A gear assessment will be held Tuesday evening August 5th 6:30-7:30pm at the Council Office prior to on-water training to ensure that participants have gear appropriate for this training.

Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, and Hazardous Weather trainings are pre-requisites for both courses and completion dates must be provided during registration.  Successful completion of the BSA Swim Test is also a pre-requisite for both courses.  Please bring your completed swim test form and the lifeguard’s certification to the course.  Paddling experience is not required.