07-01-2003, 01:55 AM
Texas Program Teaches Kids Water Safety
AUSTIN, TX--Though it's only 1 year old, a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) water and boater safety program has already reached more than 10,000 children.
TPWD's "Junior Boater" program was started last year for kids younger than age 12 in an effort to reach those who aren't old enough for boater safety certification.
The program teaches the following skills:
[ul] [li]Throwing a personal floatation device (PFD) to a target.[/li][/ul] [ul] [li]Completing a PFD relay, where kids try to find a PFD that fits them best, fasten it on and then tag their teammate who does the same.[/li][/ul] [ul] [li]Identifying at least two items they should have when leaving shore.[/li][/ul] [ul] [li]Identifying water-related items as safe or hazardous and why.[/li][/ul] [ul] [li]Learning about weight distribution in a boat.[/li][/ul] [ul] [li]Identifying water pollutants.[/li][/ul] [ul] [li]Learning basic boating directions and terminology.[/li][/ul] [ul] [li]Recognizing the intended movement of a watercraft based on signals.[/li][/ul] The TPWD is hoping that leadership-type groups that take the class, like boy scouts, girl scouts and 4-H groups will fan out across Texas and teach the course to others. The TPWD loans all supplies, including life jackets and manuals with directions for instructors. All you have to do is request a kit and specify a time and place.
For more information on how to set up a seminar, call (800) 792-1112, press 0 and ask for extension 4938.
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AUSTIN, TX--Though it's only 1 year old, a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) water and boater safety program has already reached more than 10,000 children.
TPWD's "Junior Boater" program was started last year for kids younger than age 12 in an effort to reach those who aren't old enough for boater safety certification.
The program teaches the following skills:
[ul] [li]Throwing a personal floatation device (PFD) to a target.[/li][/ul] [ul] [li]Completing a PFD relay, where kids try to find a PFD that fits them best, fasten it on and then tag their teammate who does the same.[/li][/ul] [ul] [li]Identifying at least two items they should have when leaving shore.[/li][/ul] [ul] [li]Identifying water-related items as safe or hazardous and why.[/li][/ul] [ul] [li]Learning about weight distribution in a boat.[/li][/ul] [ul] [li]Identifying water pollutants.[/li][/ul] [ul] [li]Learning basic boating directions and terminology.[/li][/ul] [ul] [li]Recognizing the intended movement of a watercraft based on signals.[/li][/ul] The TPWD is hoping that leadership-type groups that take the class, like boy scouts, girl scouts and 4-H groups will fan out across Texas and teach the course to others. The TPWD loans all supplies, including life jackets and manuals with directions for instructors. All you have to do is request a kit and specify a time and place.
For more information on how to set up a seminar, call (800) 792-1112, press 0 and ask for extension 4938.
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