Teacher Resources - Boating Education
How to Request a Presentation and Find Other Resources.
Request a Presentation
Review the following list of presentations (beginning with "Grades K-3"), then choose a program.
We require the following information to be e-mailed or called into New Mexico State Parks in order to register for a program. When complete E-mail to: stephen.verchinski@state.nm.us or call 505-476-3390.
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(Send to the Attn: Water and Boating Safety School Programs)
Program Requested:
Name of School:
School Street Address
City or Town
Name of Teacher (s) Needing Program
Phone Contact:
School Phone:
Your e-mail Address:
Requested Date and Alternate:
Number of Students and Grade for the Program:
Number of Presentations and Presentation Times:
Language of Coloring Book (English or Spanish)
Schools will typically provide a TV/VCR and DVD Player if needed, and 6 chairs for the activity.
"Basics of Water Safety" This program teaches about basic water safety. It includes an introduction to the Ranger. A video, “Longfellow Whale Tales” is played with segments: Swim with a Buddy, Be Cool Follow the Rule, Look Before You Leap, Reach or Throw - Don't Go!, Don't Just Pack It, Wear Your Jacket The ranger explains that the waters belong to them and how they have a responsibility to keep it clean. A life jacket hands-on activity provides fun and is entertaining. The ranger may include a short segment on hypothermia and boating safety. Last, we ask about if any have had experiences in the parks they have visited, and give out park handouts and coloring books . The attempt in this program to start children on the path to take charge of their own behavior with an emphasis on learning to swim . Handouts include a Parks Water Safety Coloring Book in English or in Spanish. FREE
"Water Smart" This program places an emphasis on basic water safety and quickly goes to boating safety . An introduction to State Parks is made and a discussion of appropriate park activities. We present what we do, including a sad tale of an accident on the water . Topics covered (emphasis depending on teacher request) are Ditches, Rivers, Lakes, Pools, Hypothermia, Rescue, Alcohol and Boats. We include a portion of a video that is fast paced for this age group called “Aqua Smart”. These lessons are then recapped in a Q. and A. short segment with the Ranger . A life jacket hands on activity that is timed provides fun and is entertaining with five/six volunteers. A short review of basic water rescue (Reach/Throw or Row) is then introduced and discussed . Handouts include a New Mexico State Parks Map, a Fee and Regulation booklet, a Ditch or Pond Safety Brochure if requested and a “Hey Kids Lets Go Boating “ (see it at : www.boatus.com/foundation/ brochure) brochure or an activity book called “Boating Safety Sidekicks”. FREE
"Stay Alive and Boat Smart" This program begins with an introduction to the Ranger. It includes the opportunity to know the work of a Marine Enforcement Officer (a handout can support career days). A video showing boat racing legend Chip Hanauer, is used to teach boating basics to young adults. Chip began racing hydroplanes at the age of nine, won more championships than any other driver and is the youngest member of the Motor Sports Hall of Fame . A life jacket activity is done where we get five volunteers up and give them 30 seconds to put on a jacket from a pile of jackets of all types. We also do a fashion show and do a full discussion of life jackets (PFD’s) and a showing of jackets that were found on ill-equipped vessels. An alternative or addition to the PFD activity program is a segment on "Operation Under the Influence" to illustrate the dangers of operating a boat or personal watercraft under the influence of alcohol. Participants put on goggles to imitate an intoxicated state. While "Under the Influence", participants attempt to do one or more of the following: put on a personal floatation device, put a key into the ignition, pick up keys, walk around cones, catch a ball or locate a floatation device and throw it to someone in danger of drowning. Alcohol is involved in over 50% of all boating accidents. Boat operators with BAC of .10 or higher are 10 times more likely to be killed in a boating accident than a sober boater. There is a quick activity on Basic Water Rescue and how to recognize a drowning victim (The Six Rules for Staying Alive (Stay Sober, Know Your Boat, Use An Approved PFD, Don't Go Out Alone, Watch the Children, and Learn to Swim) are covered using actual boating incidents and discussion (Encouragement is given for youths to consider taking our Personal Watercraft Clinic and we take final questions (4 min). Handouts include parks maps and fees, volunteer cards, boating and Alcohol, and boating program information for adults. A visit with the Ranger's Boat can also be requested as part of the program. FREE
Other Teacher Resources
Water Safety Coloring Book (DNR-MN)
National Water Safety Congress