Tradition and Travel: A River Safety Program - Project Purpose: The purpose of the Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) Tradition and Travel: A River Safety Program is to increase safe water and boating practices and thereby reduce the number of deaths by drowning in the TCC region, a 235,000 square mile region of Interior Alaska. The project area includes 41 predominantly Alaska Native villages, most of which are extremely small and located off the road system. Expected Outcomes: Tradition and Travel: A River Safety Program will work towards reducing drowning and increasing safe water and boating practices through increasing access to personal flotation devices and other safety equipment and resources; fostering partnerships with other prevention and wellness programs, Tribes, and local, State and Federal agencies; a media messaging campaign; and trainings and presentations focused on seasonal water safety in schools and communities. Expected short-term outcomes are 1) increased access to personal flotation devices (PFDs) and other safety gear and resources for TCC communities; and 2) Increased knowledge about the importance of using PFDs and other safety equipment while on or near the water and ice. Expected medium-term outcomes are 1) increased usage of PFDs and other safety equipment while on or near the water and ice; and 2) increased discussion within communities about the importance of using PFDs and other safety gear. Expected long-term outcomes are 1) Fewer drownings in the TCC region, and 2) Fewer incidents of near-drowning in the TCC region. Component Applying For: Part 1
