NASBLA Names Marcus Bowling 2024 Boating Educator of the Year
Generously sponsored by Kalkomey Enterprises, Inc., the Pamela S. Dillon Boating Educator of the Year award was established by NASBLA in 2011 to recognize individuals who go above and beyond in engaging students and boaters, raising awareness, and making boating education initiatives relevant, thorough, and exciting.
A dedicated member of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife for 25 years, Bowling has excelled in various roles, including law enforcement and marketing. Since 2019, he has served as the boating education coordinator, bringing invaluable knowledge and experience to the position.
Bowling's initiatives have significantly influenced boating safety education in Kentucky. In response to increased interest in paddlesports during the COVID-19 pandemic, he created the Life Jacket Loaner Station Program. Launched in 2021 with three stations, the program expanded to 15 stations by 2023, with five more planned in popular paddlesports areas across the state.
As the boating education coordinator, Bowling teaches 15 to 25 classes annually for individuals seeking their Boating Education Certificate. His classes reach diverse audiences, including search and rescue units, high school fishing teams, marina patrons, and summer camp attendees. He drives an average of 8,000 miles annually and educates approximately 200 students.
In addition to formal boating education courses, Bowling conducts general boating safety programs for various groups and supports officers in community boating safety talks. He also promotes boating safety through radio, TV, and podcast appearances.
Bowling spearheaded a BUI/DUI campaign launched in May for the boating season, collaborating with various agencies. He is also developing a project to educate new ethnic groups about Kentucky's fishing, hunting, and boating laws, aiming to address language barriers.
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators congratulates Game Warden Marcus Bowling on receiving the National Pamela S. Dillon Boating Educator of the Year award in recognition of his dedication to improving the safety of Kentucky's waterways. To learn more about NASBLA's awards program, visit www.nasbla.org/awards.
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The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is a national nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories. We offer a variety of resources, including training, model acts, education standards, publications and more. Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers and volunteers, we affect the lives of nearly 85 million American boaters.