State Boating Program acquires boat for public education, law enforcement training
Published 11:39 am Tuesday, March 3, 2015
The state’s boating program announces the launching today of its newly acquired 23-foot boat. The vessel will be used to teach boating and water safety to youth and adults, to promote Washington State Marine Parks and to train marine law enforcement officers.
The aluminum boat has been named WALTER, which stands for Washington’s All-equipped Law Enforcement Training & Education Resource boat.
“WALTER will play a key role in the state’s new public education and outreach strategy to increase boating safety and awareness,” said Wade Alonzo, Boating Program manager.
The boat’s bright yellow color will make it highly visible on the state’s lakes, rivers and marine waters. During boating-related events, the Boating Program’s staff will use a light, friendly approach to promote safe boating practices, such as the importance of using lifejackets.
“Our goal is to be a friendly face to boaters,” Alonzo added. “We are working with partners from recreational boating businesses to reward safe boating behavior. For example, if we’re out on the water and we see boaters wearing their lifejackets, we might just have a nice prize for them.”
The bright yellow motor vessel was launched at Swantown Marina in Olympia, where it will be stationed when it’s not in use. WALTER’s first public appearance will be at the Puget Sound Boat Show March 12-15 at the Tacoma Dome. Later this month, the boat will be in the Tri-Cities area during marine law enforcement training.
Look for WALTER at other major boating events all over the state, such as opening-day-of-boating celebrations, boat shows, fishing derbies, SeaFair and sportsmen’s shows.
About WALTER:
– Length: 23 feet at waterline
– Displacement: 6,000 pounds
– Built in 2005 by Aluminum Chambered Boats (ACB) in Bellingham.
– Vessel cost: $80,000. Paid for by a grant from the U.S. Coast Guard.
– Maximum speed: 32 knots
– Construction: Airtight aluminum chambers, arranged like a ‘honeycomb,’ make it virtually unsinkable.
