NCSP History & Mission
In the early 1970‘s, canoeing and kayaking as a recreational sport began to flourish and unfortunately, so did accidents and sometimes tragedies. Local tri-state paddling clubs, long aware of the need for improved training and safety, became increasingly concerned. In the spring of 1979, the National Canoe Safety Patrol was formed and had the first trained patrols ready to assist paddlers on the Upper Delaware River. The National Park Service assumed jurisdiction over the Upper Delaware in 1980, though the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. At the time, the NCSP was asked to work in conjunction with the Park Service as Volunteers In Parks, and to coordinate our efforts with theirs. Our mission is to provide rescue and assistance, as well as safety education to guest in the park. It is form these forms of involvement that the NCSP has received formal recognition from the National Park Services for our efforts.
Close cooperation among the National Park Service, boat liveries and the NCSP has reduced drownings from nine or more a year to an average of one per year. By 1987, the NCSP had expanded its operations to include safety boating for several local events and was invited to serve as the Slalom Safety Team at the Savage River races culminating in the 1989 Canoe and Kayak World Championships. We continue our association with the US team through the Olympic trials in 1992 and the World Cup races on the Ocoee in 1994. In 2004 the National Canoe Safety Patrol incorporated as a non profit to assist in our continued growth and development.
Our program is simple and effective. During the last weekend of April, we invite all members to upgrade their shore, boat, and in-water swift water rescue skills at our training weekend. During the cold water months of May and June each member serves two weekends on active patrols. Patrols continue on weekend and holidays until and including the labor day weekend. The National Park Service provides limited cabin space available May and June and a campsite July and August for patrolling members at no cost to members or NCSP. A fall NCSP/NPS dinner includes incentive drawings for members who have met the requirements of members in good standing.
Our training committee puts together a first rate program for all members, join us in providing valuable services to the paddling community and have a great time doing it.
Remembrances of Dick from Nick Spinelli
I first met Dick in the spring of 2006 as a college intern with the NPS at the Upper Delaware. Following a summer full of patrolling the river, I’d learned a great deal about paddling and respect for the river from Dick. I marveled at his dedication and generosity in spending more days on the river than most of the interns or paid staff. It was easy to tell that Dick’s passion for the river was as strong as his passion for the people around him. Following my graduation, I took a seasonal position with the NPS and got to paddle with Dick and learn even more from him. A few years later, while working for the Pike County Conservation District, I had the pleasure and privilege of working alongside Dick during the 2010 River of the Year Celebration for the Lackawaxen. Planning the Lackawaxen Sojourn was no easy task and through many meetings and lunches at Dick and Mary Kay’s home and countless emails and phone calls, I got to know Dick even more. It was during this time that I truly learned an appreciation for Dick’s dedication to paddling and to connecting people with our rivers. It was also during this time that I came to call Dick my friend. Prior to the sojourn, Dick and I decided to scout the Lackawaxen between Honesdale and Hawley to ensure a smooth day with the sojourners. I’m not sure if it was so much a scouting trip or a great excuse for us to get outside and paddle a wonderful little river. Regardless of whether it was work or pleasure, I consider that day to be one of the finer days of my life. The weather, paddling, river, conversation- and friendship- were perfect. It continues to be an intangible treasure- as most true treasures are- and is one I’ll hold onto for many years to come.
I know I’m one of many with a similar story about Dick. I’m truly grateful to have had the good fortune of knowing and learning from such a humble, well respected, and noble man. He made our corner of the world a better place and lived as an example of selfless service and passion for special people and special places. We should all emulate Dick, and when our times come to end, hope that we’ve had as much of an impact as he did. Until that time, I’ll take comfort in knowing that every time I paddle the Upper Delaware I’ll be in the spiritual company of a man who called so many “friend”.
Nick also sent a number of pictures from Dick's involvement on the Lackawaxen Sojourn which have been included in the slide show on the home page.
Adventures with Dick and Ken
Dumoine River, Quebec Canada - Bill Walters, Dick, Ryan, Matt Sanderson (student of Ken’s), and Ken paddled from Lac Benoit to Grande Chute in 2006. Just after our arrival at Lac Benoit and we set-up our campsite, we experienced a micro burst. Dick ran to his tent and held it down to prevent it from blowing away!
TMR - Zane Grey - Catch every Eddy. Dick and I with Mary Kay as shuttle put in at TMR one afternoon just after I had purchased my first C-1. He paddled his yellow boat and said,”Ken, follow me! We’re going to catch every eddy from TMR to Zane Grey.” We did! My eddy turns got better and better.
ACA Level 3 C-2 Certification Class - Dick and I took an instructor’s class that took place on a river in the Adirondacks. The instructor asked us to pair up in my 16 foot Appalachian. We paddled a class three section and filled up with water. Dick was in the bow. Water was up to the gunnel but we didn’t tip, kept paddling, and made it to shore. The Instructor said all he could see were two heads and paddles.
