Annie Grenier Recognized as the 2025 NASBLA National Boating Educator of the Year
The 2025 National Pamela S. Dillon Boating Educator of the Year award was presented to Annie Grenier of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Office of Boating Safety, on Thursday, Sept. 18, during the awards ceremony at the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) Annual Conference in Des Moines, Iowa.
Since joining the Alaska Boating Safety Program in 2016, Annie Grenier has been a driving force behind some of the state’s most impactful water safety initiatives. As an educator, leader, and innovator, she has helped foster a culture of safety that reaches thousands of young Alaskans each year, making a tangible, life-saving difference in communities across the state.
One of Grenier’s most significant contributions is her leadership of the “Kids Don’t Float” program. Under her guidance, more than 100,000 students have received critical water safety education, many taught directly by Grenier herself. In 2024 alone, more than 12,600 schoolchildren participated in these lessons. She also spearheaded the program’s train-the-trainer initiative, graduating 98 high school students as “Kids Don’t Float” Ambassadors — young leaders equipped to teach water safety to their peers.
Grenier’s work extends beyond the classroom. She helped develop the “Save It for the Shore” campaign, promoting responsible alcohol use on and around the water. Through partnerships with local businesses, beverage distributors, and law enforcement, Grenier crafted a public safety message that has reduced risk and encouraged safer behavior statewide.
Her expertise also includes hands-on skills training. In 2024, Grenier led 69 practical sessions for nearly 1,400 youth, covering life jacket fitting, boat stability, rescue techniques, and emergency communication. She introduced Cold-Water Paddling courses into Alaska’s curriculum, providing realistic training in boat control, self-rescue, and equipment selection for cold conditions.
Grenier plays a pivotal role in partnership building and professional development within the boating safety community. She organized Alaska’s second Boating Educators’ Symposium, uniting stakeholders including Alaska State Troopers, hospital staff, livery operators, parks and recreation leaders, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. The event strengthened collaboration and inspired knowledge sharing across regions.
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators congratulates Annie Grenier on receiving the 2025 National Pamela S. Dillon Boating Educator of the Year award in recognition of her dedication to improving boating safety and water safety education across Alaska. To learn more about NASBLA’s awards program, visit www.nasbla.org/awards.
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