The bumper sticker extolling "Safety is NO accident" applies to paddling just as well as it does to driving. DaVinci said "There is great power in moving water". To make matters worse, hypothermia is a real and present danger in Vermont waters, particularly in the spring. Paddlers must maintain a healthy respect for these forces and be ever vigilant for changeable river conditions from moment to moment and day to day. Paddlers who approach river safety responsibly set a good example for others to follow, and are in a position to coach others in safe boating practices.

With all this in mind, the Vermont Paddlers Club hosts frequent swiftwater rescue courses taught by certified instructors, kayak roll training in the pool over the winter, and a weekend novice whitewater clinic each summer.