Deer Lake Outdoor Center

The purpose of the Small Craft Safety Course is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to safely operate different types of human-powered watercraft less than 16 feet in length on inland, non-moving, bodies of water during daylight hours. This course includes modules covering:

• Solo and tandem canoeing,
• Solo kayaking with sit-on-top and touring kayaks,
• Rowing in flatbottom dory or skiff-style rowboats, and
• Stand-up paddleboarding.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate for small craft boating safety. Connecticut Office of Early Childhood review of the course curriculum to determine if it meets requirements for youth camp directors of small craft waterfronts for the type of watercraft listed above is PENDING.

Prerequisites:

To participate in the course, you must pass a prerequisite swimming skills evaluation during the first in-person session. The evaluation consists of: Jump in, submerge, resurface and swim 150 yards continuously, tread water for 2 minutes, and then swim 50 more yards. While swimming, you must keep your face in the water and demonstrate good breath control. You may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed. When treading, you must use only your legs.

Completion Requirements:

The course includes the modules: (1) Pre-Course, (2) Canoeing, (3) Kayaking, (4) Rowing, (5) Paddleboarding, and (6) Conclusion. All participants must complete the pre-course and conclusion modules but may choose which skill modules they want to participate. Each participant who completes the course will receive a completion certificates listing which modules the participant satisfactorily completed.

To successfully complete this course and receive certification, you must:

• • Attend the entire course and actively participate in all activities applicable to the types of watercraft they select.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in all skills.
  • Pass all skill assessments.

In-water portions of this course are completed in Deer Lake.

Please be aware that all skill practice sessions in this course involve strenuous physical activity. If you have any concerns about your ability to participate fully in class (for example, because of a medical condition or disability), please contact before the in-person session to discuss possible accommodations. You may also wish to speak with a healthcare professional before the in-person session.