Auxiliarist Bob Summers presents a certificate for the Tiny Tots Marina

Our Flotilla’s “'Tiny Tots Marina” was designed to teach life preserver safety. The “Marina” was an idea of our Flotilla Commander Lorin C. Grover. Several years ago, while thinking about ways to promote life vest safety to children, he came up with the idea to use a large water tank with miniature remote control (R/C) boats. The children could operate the R/C boats while wearing a life vest. The parents would help the children with putting on the vest and as such, involved the family in life vest safety. This would be reinforced by Auxiliary members that would discuss aspects of boating safety.

Auxiliarist Michael Lawrence assists a young sailor wearing her life preserver

The first “Marina” was a small wading pool with 2 boats, but has evolved. Recently, the “Tiny Tots Marina” was set up for our local boat show. The current “Marina” is 2 larger water tanks mounted on a trailer with several R/C boats, and the introduction of two submarines!

This was the first event where we handed out personalized certificates to the children after they wore their vests and operated the boats. The certificates were donated by the Dept. of Wildlife (DOW) and all 250 of them had been handed out before the end of the show. We received many compliments and "Thanks" from parents who themselves had tried to stress the importance of vests to their children.

Even adults got into the action

One highlight was the appearance of Nevada Congressman Jim Gibbons a candidate for Governor this year. He got into the action and wore a life vest himself! Afterward, he asked for copies of photos to publish on his website and offered any future assistance he could provide to the Auxiliary.

Members from four Flotillas in our Division helped out with the “Marina” during the 4 day event.

Tiny Tots Marina

We are now in the works for further development of the “Marina.” Our Public Education Officer (FSO-PE) is an experienced grant writer and is currently working on a grant for funding the “Marina.” This would allow us to get a larger tank, sturdier R/C boats, and certificates. In the meantime, DOW has offered continued assistance and our local chapter of the Cancer Society is considering providing additional boats.