Alaska Boating Safety Program

fun = safety first! 💯

Finally, someone gets it. Thanks to Olivia from Scenic Park Elementary for this awesome poster submitted to our poster contest last year!

Attention all Kids Don't Float life jacket loaner board sponsors!

We have an update for you on the 2026 life jacket order, as well as some instruction for ordering life jackets for next year. You should have received this information in an email. If you did not, please reach out so we can get your updated email contact added to our database.

First, an update on the 2026 life jacket order: We went through the process of getting a new vendor for the life jacket order this past year. As many of you noticed, we ran into many hiccups along the way and unfortunately there have been significant delays in getting the life jackets to your communities. They are still in the process of being shipped, so keep an eye out. If you ordered life jackets, you will receive them, as late as they are. The good news is, now that we have things set up with our new vendor, these same delays are not expected to occur again next year.

In order to ensure the whole process is smooth and quick for 2027, we need your help! We will be closing this order on October 30 so we can get all the information to the vendor as soon as possible. If you are the sponsor of a loaner board, please follow the link to place a restock order. Please, please, please ensure you fill out the address information correctly and with all the required information. One of the main causes of delays for these orders is incomplete shipping information on these forms (we need to have the street or box number, city, and zip code).

Here is the link to order: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/5465486/KDF-Loaner-Board-Registration

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to [email protected]. To learn more about the program and how to get involved, visit https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/boating/kdf/loanboard.htm.

Today some of our staff got to do a Kids Don't Float Instructor Training with students from the Prince William Sound College Outdoor Leadership Program. These amazing college students will now teach boating safety lessons to younger students in Valdez, helping to promote a culture of safe boating in their community.

🚨Last chance!

We are offering one last Alaska Water Wise course for 2026. If you've been looking for a chance to sign up for this free boating course, now is the time. This class will happen from 6:00-9:00pm on Zoom on October 6 and 8 (participants must attend both sessions).

The Alaska Water Wise course covers topics like navigation rules, trip planning and preparation, boat maintenance, trailering, cold water immersion, boating emergencies, laws and regulations, and more. Whether you're a lifelong boater or just thinking about beginning, this class has something for everyone. There is an optional exam after the course and if you pass, you will receive your Alaska Boater's Card.

For more information or to sign up, email [email protected]

We are extremely excited to announce that the 2027 Boating Safety Educators' Symposium will be held in Juneau on January 26 and 27!

We are developing an exciting agenda for this year, including training opportunities prior to and following the main event. If you think you may be interested, please pre-register using this link: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8950896/2027-Boating-Safety-Educators-Symposium-Preregistration

Pre-registering does not commit you to coming, but it does get you on the mailing list to receive all the important information regarding lodging and the agenda once that information is available (and it will help us as we continue planning).

This event is for anyone whose work or passion intersects with boating safety in Alaska. Whether you're in the education realm, law enforcement or search and rescue, the Coast Guard, if you work for a manufacturer, brand, outfitter, or boat rental company, if you work in public health or injury prevention, or if you simply have a strong interest in helping spread boating safety messages in our state, this free event is for you.

Do you have a radio on your boat? Does everyone on the boat, including the youngest passenger, know how to operate the radio in the case of an emergency?

Don't make the mistake of assuming you'll be able to take the lead in an emergency. Empower all your passengers to be rescue ready by making sure they know the location and proper use of any emergency communication or distress signaling devices, like flares, satellite phones, or radios.

"I saved a life. My own. Am I a hero?...I can't really say. But yes." –Michael Scott

Boating with a buddy is more fun—and safer. If you do go solo, though, or end up in the water when your paddling crew is far away, you should be prepared to self rescue (and be prepared to quickly initiate a rescue effort from others, if needed).

-Do your research, understand the risks related to the type of boating you’re doing and the area you’re going to.
-Learn and practice the skills you need to boat safely and to perform a rescue in case of an emergency.
-Take a boating safety course! Follow us to see when courses are posted. We offer both classroom-based and skills-based pool classes.
-Always wear a life jacket, tell someone where you’re going, and carry emergency communication and distress signaling devices on your person.