Paddle Safer

The Paddler Safer course gives new and novice paddlers the opportunity to develop their safety skills when taking to the water.

The Go Paddling Paddle Safer course is designed for anyone new to paddling, or relatively inexperienced to paddling, wanting to gain knowledge and raise their awareness of paddling safely in a sheltered water environment, in or on the craft that they paddle. Typical craft would include kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, sit on tops and inflatables.

Paddle Safer Overview

Minimum age

Open to all ages

Duration

2 hours

Prerequisites

No prerequsites

eLearning

To deliver the course, Instructors, Coaches, Leaders and Guides can complete the Provider eLearning.

Course Documents

To view the associated documents with this course, click here.

Registration

No registration needed.

Find a Course

Visit the Go Paddling website to find a course near you or contact your Delivery Centre to find a Provider near you:

Course Content

The Paddle Safer Course is based on learning and, as such, the ethos of ‘supporting the paddler’ is the main focus of the course, encouraging individuals to consider where they paddle, the equipment they use and provide practical solutions if they get into difficulty. The course covers 4 key modules:

  • Equipment
  • Environmental factors
  • Planning
  • Rescues

Certification

Attendance certificates are issued to candidates on completion of the Paddle Safer course.

Find a course

To find a course in your area, visit the Go Paddling website, or contact your Delivery Centre for further information by clicking the relevant logo at the bottom of this page.

Become a Provider

Any British Canoeing Awarding Body Instructor, Coach, Leader or Guides can deliver the Paddle Safer course.

All aspirant Providers will need to complete the Paddle Safer Provider eLearning package before delivering the course, as well as remaining current with valid first aid, safeguarding training and up to date CPD.

The eLearning provides guidance and structure on the ethos and delivery of the course, as well as how to certificate participants. Each module has a session guide with linked resources. If you’re also a Paddle Awards Provider, you can offer dual certification of the Paddle Safer and Paddle Discover Award.

The Paddle Safer eLearning provides 5 CPD points, and only costs £10. There is no provider administration fee for courses run and no certification fee.

The eLearning can be accessed on the Sarola platform here.