The Everett Sail and Power Squadron is having FUN teaching and reaching children with the new "Boating Safety for Kids" program. This is a series of short lessons that teach a child what they can and should do in a boating accident. Like a salad bar, these 5 to 20 minute lessons are taught one at a time or in a variety of combinations.

The Everett Squadron was asked to field test the lessons in the summer of 97’. With a very enthusiastic and kid-oriented leader and supportive Commander, we proceeded to recruit teachers into the "The Teaching Crew". Some members were selected and asked personally, while others were recruited though announcements at general meetings or in our newsletter The Pike Pole. Once the "Crew" of nine members were selected, they were trained by the Washington State Parks representatives and authors of the teaching manual, Lts Chuck and Gretchen Hurter of Bellevue Power Squadron. The "Crew" met at each other’s homes and practiced the lessons together until they felt comfortable with the material.

In February of 98’ the "Crew" was ready to begin. The class was advertised within the squadron. Week one, two, and three of the Boating Class the children and grandchildren of the students were invited to attend the kid’s class. Registration forms were passed out the collected. The first class consisted of 19 kids, students, first through sixth graders. They met on week four and five in a classroom at the same school as the adult’s Boating Class.

A mascot was created to give some continuity to the class. A seagull dressed in life jacket and rescue whistle was created by the leader. He, "P.F.D. C-Gull, Pretty Fancy Dude", was drawn and put on notes, certificates, newsletter articles and much more. The children love "P.F.D.".

More than 80 children have taken the class so far. Nine of those are children and grandchildren of members. Two families have joined the squadron whose children were in the class. There are also four other members that support, publicize, and provide decals, certificates, etc.. This gives the class that extra pizzazz.

Beside being so much FUN, we felt that teaching Boating Safety for Kids sends a message to the public we care about children, families, and their safety on the water.

 BY P/Lt/C Linda Martin, AP (The Leader)

Everett Sail and Power Squadron