Story Contest Details 

Three different questions are offered for children to choose and write a story. To start, please completely read the story contest rules below (link) and visit the Zaner-Bloser website to download the writing page to use to complete an entry. All entries will be judged based on the child’s handwriting skills and creativity.

Questions (entrant must choose one):

(1) What was your favorite day of boating or fishing? Who were you with and what did you see?

(2) If you could go boating anywhere in the world, where would you want to go and what would you see?

(3) If you could design the coolest, safest life jacket ever, what would your life jacket be like?

Prizes: Each winner will receive a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Each winner will also receive a “Back to School” pack from Zaner-Bloser and the National Safe Boating Council that will include a backpack, school supplies and a safety whistle, first aid kit, and a Boating Safety “Sidekicks” Go Boating activity booklet.

Visit these Zaner-Bloser websites for story handwriting template for entry submission:

For tips on writing and story creation visit: ZB Writing Resources

To print out a writing page for your story visit: ZB FontsOnline Plus

Coloring Contest Details

Kids can either submit a coloring page provided by the Boating Safety "Sidekicks" or they can submit their own drawing. To start, completely read the contest rules provided beloew (link) and visit the special download page. Again, children are encouraged to submit original designs for consideration. All entries will be judged based on creativity.

If a child decides to draw an original design, their drawing must depict the “Wear It!” message, focusing on life jacket wear and safe boating.

Prizes: Each winner will receive a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket and, from the National Safe Boating Council, a “Wear It!” Safe Summer package to include a safety whistle, first aid kit, and a Boating Safety “Sidekicks” Go Boating activity booklet. Each winner will also receive from Within Reach Inc. a deluxe art set, a Boating Safety “Sidekicks” t-shirt and hat, and an “Expect the Unexpected” DVD.

Visit the web page below (link) for a coloring page for entry submission: