By Dennis Box, The Courier-Herald

The Bonney Lake Police Department was recently presented a Boating Education Service Award by Parks Coordinator Mark Kenny of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. The award was presented to officers Vince Sainati, Marine Service Unit Coordinator; Tom Longtine, the Unit Supervisor; and Chief of Police Bryan Jeter.

The officers were presented the award for their boating education program in local schools. Kenny described Sainati as "the spark plug who really made this program work."

The officers went to every school in the area, from elementary through high school, tailoring the boating and water safety classes to the age level of their students. "We teach them how to put on a life jacket, checking for size and if it's in good condition," Sainati said. "We also tell them that a life jacket isn't only for the boat. If you're not a strong swimmer and you're near water, use a life jacket."

For older students the officers set up a fashion show with Bonney Lake Fire Department. "Junior-high kids want to look cool, so we bring out different types and colors of jackets," Sainati said. "Also with the older students we explain the steps of drowning, getting tired and slipping under the water, and methods of survival. We tell them that Lake Tapps is not a clear lake. It may take two hours to two days to find someone. It's pretty much touch and feel if someone is under the water in that lake."

Drownings occur in Lake Tapps every year, averaging one to two per year. Officer Sainati noted that since the beginning of department's boat safety education classes not a single local child has been lost on the lake.

The program was started in the schools in 1995. During 2003 the officers did 26 boating and water safety presentations around the local school district.

Along with the boating education program, the department operates a patrol boat on Lake Tapps from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The boat is a 21-foot Boston Whaler and it takes two officers to operate when on patrol.

The patrol boat duty is all extra duty for the officers and their salaries are paid through a grant from the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.

Dennis Box can be reached at dbox@courierherald.com