Paddle Patrol Officer Training

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Law Enforcement Division is committed to safety by providing the necessary skills, abilities, and knowledge to prevent personal injuries and damage or loss of state property. In 2021, TPWD implemented mandatory training for officers using paddlecraft for patrol purposes. The course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to patrol using a human powered vessel including paddle strokes and maneuvers, technical gear knowledge, environment, patrol considerations and rescues.

Kimberly Sorensen

Boater Education Manager

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Kimberly Sorensen joined the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Law Enforcement Division as the Boater Education Manager in January 2021.

Kimberly brings a wealth of knowledge of water safety, paddlesports safety, and boating safety to her role as Boating Education Manager. She is a graduate of the NASBLA Leadership Academy and serves on the NASBLA Education and Outreach committee. She is an American Canoe Association certified instructor trainer for SUP and Kayaking, an American Red Cross Lifeguard instructor, and an avid boater. Over the last twelve years, she has worked with local non-profits focused on drowning prevention and paddle sport educators to ensure proper skills and safety on and around the water. Working with her media team Kimberly created Texas Parks and Wildlife Boating and Water Safety Facebook and Instagram social media pages reaching more than 40,000 people during water safety month. The social media pages include weekly boating tips and safety messages. She shares many posts from partner organizations on the pages. In 2021 she partnered with Oncor Energy to fund education materials reminding boaters that water and electricity don’t mix. This partnership resulted in 40 new boat ramp safety signs and boater education materials that include information on safe boating around power lines and marinas. Working with the Game Warden Academy Kimberly created a Paddle Patrol course teaching officer’s safety and rescue skills and technical knowledge around paddling and using paddlecraft to patrol.

Key:

Complete
Failed
Available
Locked
Video
Paddle Patrol Officer Training You must register to access.