Liquid Militia is proud to announce that Kay Sykes is joining the Liquid Militia Core Team. We think Kay is a great addition to our growing list of team riders and supporters. Here is Kay's link to her profile on our web site. Check out that Kay has to say:
Boating Out-Reach
August 30, 2009
Sounds boring huh? Sure, until you have a mishap education is like a foreign language for most personal watercraft boaters. Don't you think its time to 'Get on Board'. What one AWA and IJSBA member is doing to 'outreach' within their community.
Kay Sykes is a passionate boater. When the word 'boater' comes up rarely do folks think of a Personal Watercraft. Kay has competed at IJSBA and APBA events as a PWC racer, and promotes the prestigious IJSBA World Finals "Parade of Nations". Here is a glimpse into one AWA Members quest to broader her personal best in outreaching to the future of our 'boating community', our youth.
"I live along the best place on earth, Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The summer temperatures are hot. The best place to cool down is to head down to the lake in the Rhino towing some sort of personal watercraft. Hundreds of people do the same thing here, because Havasu is the place where it is all happening for the boater's lifestyle. Along with increased numbers of the boating public, comes the risk of accidents" Kay says.
Kay tells a story about beginnings, let's listen: "I sat down and had lunch one day with the First Lady of Havasu, Eileen Nexsen. The purpose of the luncheon was just to get to know her more on a personal level, rather than just “the Mayor’s wife”. Eileen was not the only one there. Rachel MacClugage, a professional PWC racer and wife of Chris, a legend in our sport also attended. Together we began an amazing journey into drafting a conceptual draft for potential programs here in our City. In the latest issue of RIDE Magazine, you may have read the story about this gathering?'
'One of the topics was bout PWC water safety. This turned into an hour long group discussion about WHOM would be the target audience for such a program? It was decided upon, that facilitation would benefit our local middle school children. The reason for this is quite simple. Arizona boating laws state that a child who is 12 years old can operate a personal watercraft, and for that matter, any watercraft over 8hp without an adult. Would you let your child get behind the wheel of your car and let them speed down the highway at 100mph? Regardless what the state law says, mommy’s law over rides that, but that doesn't guarantee that parents take responsibility for the welfare of their children operating a motorized vessel.' States Kay.
Kay adds, 'Eileen said she would contact the superintendent of schools and see what type of course curriculum we could put into motion. Another question arose from the concept, who was going to teach this course? And what credentials are needed if any? I made the decision that I would like to become involved with this type of education. I have several years of experience with boats and personal watercraft. Easy as pie, at least, that is what I thought. All I have to do is get some visual aids and get some materials, and head to the schools. Or is it that easy?'
'Well, after sending one email to one of my closest friends and head of K38 Water Safety, Shawn Alladio telling her what I was going to do, I found out there was more to the task than just driving to schools and talking to the kids. She asked me “What are your credentials?” “What is your curriculum?”. For a brief moment I thought I had hit a brick wall. Shawn's motto is 'The Life You Save May Be Your Own'. One thing I have learned about the energy behind K38's training, is the philosophy of going the distance, something I have observed and applied in my own network. I made my decision. I was going to go the distance,' says Kay.
'Immediately my fingers hit the keyboard of my computer and Google brought me to the end of my search after a long trackline of websites. From hours of searching to figure out where to get training to become an instructor, I found the answer. I contacted the National Association of Safe Boating Laws Administration (NASBLA), and they immediately put me in contact with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. My search had ended and I found the answers that I was looking for!'
'Following my instincts, I knew what was best for me, I was committed. I found an application to become a volunteer boating safety instructor for the State of Arizona. I have a strong desire to reach out to children and educate them on safe boating practices. In reviewing my original decision, I believe that my motivation was not clearly defined to me until I attended my first class today.'
'Through my own education I have found that there is more to learning than just presenting. My own process will serve to remind myself and others that what we teach and how we present the information creates a lasting impression. If the content is current, relevant and inspirational, I will be a force multiplier. Students have to want to learn, or the message can be lost. It will take team work,' says Kay.
'The goal of this program is to reduce injuries and accidents through boating education. Better to train and learn proper behavioral skills before a mishap occurs! The after effect can last a lifetime. Personal tragedy affects each one of us in different capacities. My goal is to help guide one person, one child, one parent, along with others who share a similar passion. If a student comes away from this program with a better understanding of the proper use of a personal watercraft (boat), and how to navigate the waterways within our state, and what they have learned makes them an aware boater, then I have been a part of that person or child's safety.' There is no measure for this kind of success.
'I have successfully completed the first phase of my Arizona Boating Education Course. I have several additional courses to aid me in this goal. That means I am just two more classes closer to helping guide our youth and their families on boating safety and education!'
