National Canoe Safety Patrol

two national canoe safety patrol volunteers paddle in kayaks on water
NCSP volunteers on the water

NPS

 

The National Canoe Safety Patrol (NCSP), is a volunteer organization whose mission is to encourage and promote safe water and paddling practices, assist with river safety training, and assist with river rescues. NCSP and its volunteers have been active partners with and involved in water rescue at Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River since 1980.

 
Logo: National Canoe Safety Patrol. Blue circle with red canoe and "NCSP" over a white plus sign.
NCSP Logo

National Canoe Safety Patrol

History

The National Canoe Safety Patrol was formed in the spring of 1979 in response to the increase in canoeing and kayaking as a recreational sport in the early 1970s. Unfortunately, with a growing number of boats on the water, there were increased boating accidents and tragedies.

When the National Park Service assumed jurisdiction of the Upper Delaware River in 1980, a partnership was formed between the National Park Service and NCSP in order to promote water safety and provide river rescue and assistance.

Over the years, NCSP has assisted with hundreds of rescues on the Upper Delaware River, potentially saving hundreds of lives.

 
Group of National Canoe Safety Patrol volunteers in red NCSP shirts standing in front of river
The 2024 National Canoe Safety Patrol team

NPS

NCSP volunteers perform swift water rescue on weekends and holidays from May through Labor Day each year. Members are asked to conduct active patrols for two weekends each month and are invited to participate in water rescue training during a spring training weekend before the season begins. Boating equipment, safety equipment, and campsites are provided to NCSP members at no cost.

The work NCSP provides is vital to the safety and enjoyment of paddlers and visitors on the Upper Delaware River. Please consider joining the NCSP team and contributing to this vital program while gaining important skills and a rewarding experience.

To learn more about NCSP and how to be volunteer, please visit their website or contact Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River’s Volunteer Coordinator at ingrid_peterec@nps.gov or 570-493-1020.

Interested volunteers can also directly apply for open positions on volunteer.gov by searaching "upper delaware."

 

 

 

 

Last updated: July 4, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

274 River Road
Beach Lake, PA 18405

Phone:

570 685-4871

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