Paddlesports Safety Facilitator Program FAQs

With the recent termination of the American Red Cross Small Craft Safety course, there are large numbers of summer camps, youth organizations, and outfitter & livery businesses that are actively seeking time and cost efficient paddlesports training and certification. The ACA Paddlesport Safety Facilitator (PSF) program is an approved substitute, and been recommended by the American Red Cross as well as other national recreation industry leaders such as the American Camp Association.

What is the Paddlesports Safety Facilitator (PSF) course?

This program allows for the opportunity for Paddlesport Safety Facilitator Certification in canoeing, kayaking, and/or stand up paddleboarding (SUP). This certification is NOT equivalent to an ACA instructor certification; it is a one-year certification for land-based paddling safety only. The training for this certification includes a base module (non-discipline specific) plus three complementary modules that focus specifically on canoeing, kayaking, and SUP.

Who are the target market(s) for the Paddlesports Safety Facilitator program?: This course is appropriate for the staff of liveries, parks and recreation sites, rental companies, or guide services. The PSF course also is a suitable alternative for the discontinued Small Craft Safety course once offered by the American Red Cross. Therefore, other markets that will use the PSF program include summer camps, youth organizations (such as the YMCA, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Girl Scouts of the USA. The course can also be used for any member of the general public that wants to have a comprehensive knowledge base of on-water safety and best practices for enjoyable paddling.

Who can teach the PSF course?

The PSF certification program can be delivered by any ACA Level 3 Instructor (or higher), any ACA Level 1 or 2 Instructor with the PSF Endorsement, or any Instructor Trainer (IT) or Educator (ITE), within their discipline(s) of certification. In order to deliver each of the specific craft modules (canoe, kayak, or SUP), the Instructor, IT, or ITE must be certified or formally assessed within each specific discipline. For example: A currently certified canoeing Instructor Trainer must also hold instructor certification or documented skills assessments in kayaking and SUP in order to deliver all three craft specific modules. Are you an ACA certified instructor but not sure if you can teach this course, or need more info about coordinating a course in your community? Email the SEI Department!

How does the course work?

Upon successful completion, this certification allows the facilitator to introduce paddlecraft safety and knowledge to the beginner paddler in a land-based setting. In order to earn certification, the PSF Candidate will attend a course that is conducted on calm, flat water, protected from wind, waves and outside boat traffic, with no apparent current, and within swimming distance of shore. A classroom or sheltered off-water area must also be available for discussions and presentations. Students will need to complete the 1-day course (approximately 4 hours for the base module and 1 hour for each of the craft specific modules). They will also be required to complete a written exam in order to pass the course.

It is important to note that this certification is intended for dry land instruction only.

Why should I take this course (or why should I use this course for my company/staff/volunteers)?

This certification will add credibility to yourself (or your staff/volunteers) as a source of paddlesports safety information, as well as provide official documentation of skills and experience for your employer, insurance carrier, or resume. If your organization requires training and certification similar to the Small Craft Safety Course once hosted by the American Red Cross, the content of the ACA PSF course is equally comprehensive, is time & cost efficient, and a quality alternative to Small Craft Safety. Some things to be aware of, for those seeking a Small Craft Safety equivalent:

• The ACA PSF course does not address rowing
• The ACA PSF course is not a life guarding certification
• Students seeking certification/credentials from their successful completion of the PSF course must be individual ACA members. Annual ACA membership costs $25. Read more about membership, here.