Alaska Boating Safety Program

Good news! Our Cold Water Paddling class that was cancelled in May has been rescheduled for Monday, June 29. This class will be held 6:00-9:00pm at the Palmer Pool. We have spots available, but they are limited, so sign up soon!

This is a fantastic chance to practice some self-rescues and assisted rescues in a safe, controlled environment on a variety of paddlecraft. Anyone under the age of 14 must have an adult participating in the class with them.

Email [email protected] to sign up or for more information.

One of the easier safety measure you can take when you're heading out on the water this summer is to file a float plan. Provide a reliable friend or family member with details about your boat, your expected route, the people on board, where your vehicle is parked, and your planned return time. Let them know how to try to get in touch with you if you fail to return on time, and which authorities to contact if you're overdue and cannot be reached.

This crucial step sets you up for a successful rescue. If you don't let anyone know where you're going or when to start searching for you, an unfortunate situation could turn into a tragic disaster. Be rescue ready!

A float plan could be as simple as sending a text or an email. It can also be written down. Want a fillable float plan PDF? Check out this one from the U.S. Coast Guard: https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/floating-plan.php

Here is some wisdom from a 2nd grader from Scenic Park Elementary to start off your week: Humans do not float--so wear a life jacket! Regardless of age, experience level, or swimming ability, Alaska's cold water can be incapacitating.

We had the pleasure of hosting the Western States Boating Administrators Association's annual workshop in Seward last week. Boating safety professionals from across the west gathered in Seward to share updates, learn from each other, and discuss challenges.

One of the highlights of the week was the awards ceremony. WSBAA honored several groups and individuals with different awards, which came with a beautifully handmade ceramic bowl by the incredible Alaskan Dry Creek Studio! Now each awardee gets to take home an incredible souvenir to remember their time in Alaska.

This Memorial Day, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country and their families.

If you're spending time on the water today, please do your part to keep yourself and others safe by following some safe boating practices like wearing a life jacket, carrying emergency communication tools on your person, checking the weather, and avoiding alcohol while boating.

Stay safe out there!

We hope you all have a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend!

If you're getting out on the water, make sure to wear your life jacket, file a float plan, carry emergency communication devices on your person, save the alcohol for when you're back on shore, and use your engine cutoff device. Let's get this summer started off right!

In a 2017 Boater Safety Survey, more than 68% of Alaskan boaters who had a loved one encourage them to wear a life jacket said they committed to wearing a life jacket as a result of that encouragement.

Speak up and set an example for those around you. Friends don't let friends go boating without a life jacket.

This is Tilly. She wants to know if you might possibly show her a picture of your dog wearing a life jacket so she can know if she's doing it right. Drop your pictures in the comments!

In case you missed our post last week, there is still time to sign up for our first Cold Water Paddling class of the summer. This free class will be held from 6-9pm at the Palmer Pool on May 28.

This is a great chance to practice some critical paddling skills, like getting back into your boat after capsizing or helping someone else reboard their boat, in the safe, controlled environment of the pool before you ever have to attempt it in real life. We will be using canoes, kayaks, and standup paddleboards, so if you've been thinking of purchasing one, this is an opportunity to see some different models and try them out.

Spots are limited and registration is required. Sign up by emailing [email protected] before it fills up!