07/20/2026
INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN AUXPAD OPERATOR?
For those wanting to participate in the AuxPAD Academy...please read and send the registration to me as quickly as you can. We need to have a head count by Aug 1. Please know that if you ONLY want to learn the skills and NOT become an Aux Paddler...totally acceptable. The day is worth the effort. Also, if you do not have your own kayak let me know. If our Division members do not fill the 10 slots available, we will open to the public. Please take advantage of this opportunity. So much fun and the skills learned are valuable. Remember, the Sunday opportunity is totally OPTIONAL.
Division 15 AuxPAD Academy Announcement
Instructors: Julie Carey, Western Rivers AUXPAD Coordinator; Todd Wilkinson, National AuxPAD Afloat Branch Chief; Justin Smith, ACA Instructor/AQ-in-training
Dates: August 29, 0800 – 1800 and August 30, 0800 – 1200 (optional)
Location: USCGAUX STA Hot Springs, Hot Springs, AR
Lunch: Students will remain at the station for lunch on Saturday as presentations will be given. Hot Springs Flotilla is donating lunch.
Class Size: 10 students
Who: Auxiliary members wishing to become AuxPAD Operators, earn the optional ACA Smart Start Facilitator certification, or simply improve their paddling knowledge.
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/Fng2GtDnSeJ24LdX6
Essential Eligibility Criteria: https://americancanoe.org/eec/
Members must bring their own kayak and Coast Guard-approved PFD.
AuxPAD Operator Training
The primary purpose of this Academy is to train and qualify members as AuxPAD operators. We will cover policies and procedures from the AuxPAD Handbook and go through the skills required to become an AuxPAD Operator. Members who successfully demonstrate the required skills by the end of the weekend will have their PQS (Appendix C of the Handbook, found at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h7EoedJ-xBklmmo8jV8WDZZ-yhGTnh3L/view ) signed-off. The required 5-mile paddle assessment will be completed during the Academy.
Members wishing to become AuxPAD operators are required to take NavRules 95 (open book test.) It is highly recommended that this is completed prior to attending the Academy. TCT/RM and the Operations Workshop are also required.
Previous paddling experience is helpful but not required. Students should be comfortable participating in on-the-water instruction, including a 5-mile paddle.
Optional: ACA Smart Start for Safe Paddling Facilitator Certification
For the first time, participants may also earn the American Canoe Association Smart Start for Safe Paddling Facilitator certification as an optional enhancement to AuxPAD Operator training. Members who wish to earn this certification must complete additional prerequisites before the Academy and attend the required Sunday facilitator session. This course, developed in conjunction with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary AuxPAD program, presents safe paddling fundamentals in accordance with NASBLA and National On-Water Program standards. Topics include:
· Equipment
· Getting to the water and how to paddle
· Recognition and avoidance of common hazards
· Rescues
· Trip planning
· Responding to Emergencies
· Group management
· Interactions with other waterway users
Facilitators are authorized to conduct shore-based education and outreach activities. They are not authorized to conduct on-the-water education. Much of the facilitator curriculum overlaps with the AuxPAD Operator course. However, Sunday attendance is required for facilitator candidates because additional material and facilitation techniques will be covered. Note: Auxiliary members may present this material in their Auxiliary capacity without ACA facilitator certification. ACA certification is only required for those who wish to be recognized as ACA Smart Start for Safe Paddling Facilitators.
To be a certified facilitator, members must:
· Be a member of the American Canoe Association ($40 a year.) Membership is required each year to maintain this four-year certification.
· Complete the online Smart Start for Safe Paddling (approximately 20 minutes).
· Complete a 27 question exam with a passing score of 78%.
The American Canoe Association makes three books available to purchase for the Smart Start course: A textbook, a student workbook, and a Facilitator’s Guide. While purchase is not required, these materials provide valuable reference information and will be used throughout the facilitator portion of the course. Students will be given the option to participate in a group order to save on shipping costs.
Registration
Class limited to 10 students
Division 15 members receive priority enrollment.
Members from other divisions will be accepted as space allows.
Enrollment confirmations will be sent by August 1.
Students are responsible for their own travel.
To register: https://forms.gle/JMZvfig5dWGaGPsM9
Classes to be held August 29th 0800 until completed (target 1800) with August 30th 0800 to noon-ish, 2026, optional. All participants must provide their own or borrowed kayaks. Participants are responsible for their own transportation and lodging costs. Class will be held at STA Hot Springs, 4928 Al...
