A one (1) session course held on Sunday afternoon, June 3, 2012 (11:00 am to 3:30 pm) at the REI Sporting Goods store in Lincoln Park, 1466 North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL. (Near the intersection of North Avenue, Halsted Street, & Clybourn Avenue. )

Canoeists and kayakers are boaters also. Now, there is a course available to address the unique needs of this audience. Paddlesports America is an exciting safety course designed to attract the novice paddle enthusiasts.

This 4-1/2 hour course presents five chapters of safety information.

Topics include:

• Know Your Paddlecraft - parts of a canoe and kayak; understanding paddlecraft characteristics such as basic types, hull shapes hull materials, lengths and widths and weights; selecting your paddle for both canoe and kayak.
• Before You Get Underway - knowing your paddlecraft’s capacity and how to file a float plan; transporting your paddlecraft; conducting a pre-departure check; dressing for a safe trip; loading gear in a canoe or kayak; storing paddle craft; the responsibilities when paddling with others.
• Operating Your Boat Safely - how to enter and exit a canoe or kayak safely; securing the paddlecraft and sharing the waterways with others; the U. S. Aids to Navigation System (ATONS); learning about local hazards on waterways.
• The Legal Requirements of Boating - vessel registration, hull identification numbers and who may operate a paddlecraft; unlawful operation of paddlecraft; Homeland Security restrictions; policies on alcohol and drugs. Life jackets; navigation lights; sound-producing devices and visual distress signals; protection of environment and what to do if in a boating accident. State specific information may be added at the end of this chapter.
• Boating emergencies… What to Do - minimizing the risk of drowning, capsizing, swamping or falling overboard; emergency techniques; how to deal with cold water immersion and hypothermia; understanding heat related illness; dehydration; handling weather emergencies.

PaddleSports America

Day	Date	Time	Sessions	Location	Fee	Register Now!
SUN	3 JUNE 2012	11:00 am to 3:30 pm	One (1) 4-1/2 hr session	REI 1466 N Halsted St Chicago, IL	$25.00
For more information about this course contact our Public Education Officer, Phil Aszling / Phone: (773) 545-0497 Email: paszling@aol.com