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< March/April 2000
	Hotline
National Canoe Safety Patrol Going Strong jody deignan

In the 16 years prior to 1996, the Delaware River averaged more than two drownings per year. In the four years since, this New Jersey gem hasn't experienced any. Why the dramatic downturn? Look no further than the efforts of the National Canoe Safety Patrol.

Unlike the group's snow-based namesake, you don't need ski slopes to find assistance from these patrollers. Founded 22 years ago by Chris Nielsen, the group is organized along the lines of the National Ski Patrol, working in conjunction with the National Park Service to maintain safety on the Delaware River. Despite its name, kayakers are very welcome, with the only requirement being a free two-day safety and rescue workshop. "The Delaware is one of the biggest places where canoes get rented to inexperienced paddlers," says Nielsen. "In the early days, liveries there had no regard for safety."

All that's changed now, thanks to the all-volunteer patrol, whose members are recruited from nearby paddling clubs. According to Nielsen, there hasn't been a single drowning on the river in three years; and there were 36 drownings between 1980 and 1996. "It's a dramatic turn-around," he says. "And I think it's largely due to our patrol program."

The group's tactics are simple: by hosting presentations and slideshows at put-in campgrounds that stress the importance of lifejackets and other safe paddling tips, the group relies on grassroots efforts to spread its message. And people take the lessons they learn back to their clubs, further spreading the word. "We welcome anyone to come get their skills where they need to be," says Patrol Commodore Dick Rhodes.

A few years ago, the group, now at more than 100 volunteers, formed a National Executive Committee to create more chapters. There are now three active chapters, two on the Delaware and one on the Potomac. To attend the training session, potential patrollers need to attend a one-day indoor orientation session in early April and pay a $15 annual membership fee. To join the patrol they must also commit at least two weekends in May and June to the cause, and be certified in CPR.

- For more information, contact Dick Rhodes at canoerrr@aol.com or (302) 234-0640.