Winner of the 2009 International Boating and Water Safety Summit Youth Award, the Kids Don't Float (KDF) School Program is a basic curriculum that can be used by anyone wishing to introduce basic boating and water safety concepts to K-12 students. These easy-to-use, short lessons include fun activities that emphasize key points in boating and water safety, such as the proper use of life jackets and the dangers of cold water. KDF strives to change the safety culture of boating by educating the younger generations – after all, they will someday grow up to be adults and our future boaters.

1. An Alaskan Boating Safety Program ...YOU CAN DO IT TOO!

2. KDF Background Began in Homer in 1996- statewide in 1997 Lifejacket loaner boards 466 boards around AK today School program took hold in 2001 Educational lessons for schools

3. Our Progess: We’ve reached: 63,391 children (1,341 classes) 57 rural or “bush” communities 31 “on-road” communities 64 schools in Anchorage alone There are 316 “communities” in the entire state!

4. Changing the Culture Adult drowning rate MUCH higher than child rate (PFD law helps here) Life jackets are: unnecessary, dorky, they get in the way, “I don’t need one- I can swim!” You have to get ‘em while they’re young!

5. What is KDF? 3 lessons Lesson 1 & 2 in classroom Lesson 3 in-water session Geared for K-6th grade, but can be adapted for 7-12th grade 1-hour presentations lots of activities very small amount of “lecture”

6. Evaluation Methods Instructor/presentation evaluations to every teacher 4th & up receives 10 question quiz at end of presentation Database & reports Monitor fatality rates Confirmed KDF life jacket “saves”

7. Where to begin? Instructors? Who? Where? Seasonal, part-time? Make or break program- find folks that are good with KIDS! Develop state-specific curriculum  out dnr.alaska.gov/parks/boating/kdfhome.htm Add/subtract from AK curriculum to meet your needs! It is written in such a way that allows for anyone to pick it up and teach!

8. Get noticed! Advertise in a small region (one school district?) Flyers, post cards, phone calls, school visits Find a “test” school Have teachers fill out evaluations & give references Positive WORD OF MOUTH is crucial! Use your community contacts & references to spread to other schools, other districts, other areas of the state!

9. Sustenance… Develop own state curriculum Develop a BRAND “goodies” and handouts Create activity books, stickers, etc… Loaner boards? Attend safety fairs, summer camps, water festivals, etc… Eventually a year-round program?

10. Questions?

11. Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation Office of Boating Safety 550 W. 7th Ave, Suite 1380 Anchorage, AK 99501 Megan Piersma (907) 269-6042 megan.piersma@alaska.gov www.alaskaboatingsafety.org