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Kids Don’t Float Program

Learn about the successful Kids Don't Float Program aimed at reducing boating fatalities among children in Alaska. Since 1997, over 200 sites statewide have provided education and lifejacket loaner programs, resulting in saved lives. Get involved in promoting water safety!

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Kids Don’t Float Program

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  1. Kids Don’t Float Program U. S. Coast Guard Alaska Dept. of Health & Social Services State Office of Boating Safety Alaska Safe Kids Various Community Coalition Members!

  2. The Need for Kids Don’t Float • 1998-1999: 67 Boating Fatalities • 266 Fatalities In Past 10 Years • Alaska: 10 Times the National Fatality Rate • 1980-1994: 100 Children & Teens (0-14) Drowned In Alaska

  3. Boating Fatalities

  4. Fatality Characteristics • Most fatalities occur in open skiffs or canoes • Over 90% of fatality victims did not wear a lifejacket (PFD) • 1997: 22% of boating fatalities were 18 & Under • Over half of Alaska drownings occur on lakes & rivers

  5. KDF Program Overview • Started in Homer by Community Groups • Based on Kids Don’t Fly (NY City program) • Converted to Statewide Use in 1997 • Now in Over 200 Sites Statewide • 2 Program Components • Education • Lifejacket Loaner Program • At least 5 lives saved since start of program

  6. Who Is Involved With KDF? • U.S. Coast Guard • State of Alaska • DHSS, Section of Community Health & EMS • DNR, State Office of Boating Safety • Alaska Safe Kids • Homer Originating Team • Community Leaders & Volunteers

  7. KDF Education Program • Adult Education Curriculum (Manual) • Youth Education Lesson Plan & Activities • Peer Educator Program for High School Use

  8. KDF Peer Education Program • Volunteers Train High School Students • Trained High School Students Conduct Classes for Elementary School Students • Juneau, Alaska 1998: • 37 High School Students • 240 Elementary School Students

  9. High School Training • Set Up Training/Program With Local High School • Students In Program Get Community Service Credit • Hold 2-3 Hour Training Regarding PFD Use • Students Develop Lesson Plans For Elementary Classes • Hold a Final Organizing Session (provide packets) • H.S. Students Perform Trainings

  10. Elementary School Training • High School Students Schedule Sessions • Each Group Teaches 3 Classes (30 mins.) • Group Receives Evaluation & Credit

  11. Focus of Kids Don’t Float Education Program • Teach Youth About Safety • Positive Role Modeling By Teens • Reach All Types of Boaters/Swimmers • Reduce Fatalities

  12. KDF PFD Loaner Program • Loaner Boards at Harbors/Boat Ramps • Loaner Board Sponsor • PFD’s Provided by State or Local Groups • Boaters Borrow PFD’s and Return After Use • PFD Loaner Board Use Study Showed Increase in Use

  13. KDF 1998 Loaner Program • Implemented in 61 Alaskan Communities • PFD Use 5-1500 Times Per Site • Program Survey November 1998 • Little/No PFD Loss • Very Positive Program Comments

  14. KDF/Boating Safety Resources • KDF Program Manual/Kit • AMSEA Cold Water Kids • AMSEA Cold Water K-12 Curriculum • Videos • Dateline • It Could Have Been Prevented (AMSEA) • The Test Files (Ohio DNR) • Cold, Wet, & Alive (Am. Canoe Assn) • Public Service Announcements

  15. The KDF Future • KDF Loaner Boards at All Harbors/Lakes/Rivers • Education in All Alaska Schools • Involvement By All Alaska Communities • Eliminate Drowning Fatalities

  16. KDF & Boating Safety Point of Contact Maria Bailey, Alaska Dept. H&SS (907) 465-4170 KDF@health.state.ak.us Sue Hargis, USCG Boating Safety (907) 463-2297/2299 fax (800)478-6381 (in Alaska) shargis@cgalaska.uscg.mil

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