NASBLA Announces the 2024 Northern Region Educator of the Year
Christopher Calhoun, of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, has been named the 2024 NASBLA Northern Region Educator of the Year.
Calhoun's contributions to boating safety and water rescue education have earned him this recognition. As an aquatic resource program specialist with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC), Calhoun has dedicated 35 years to improving safety and training on Pennsylvania's waterways. His efforts have significantly impacted boating safety education both in the Commonwealth and beyond.
In addition to his role with PFBC, Calhoun is a full-time professor and coordinator for the park and recreation management program at Butler County Community College, where he teaches paddling, boating, and water safety. His expertise has been recognized nationally and internationally, with presentations at conferences, including one in Australia in 2022. Over the years, Calhoun has instructed training programs in 14 states, spreading his knowledge and passion for boating and water safety far and wide.
Calhoun's efforts in curriculum development have been noteworthy. In 2023 alone, the water rescue program he developed certified 4,546 students and provided more than 6,800 hours of training in Pennsylvania. His work has contributed to the state’s unique status as having the nation’s only FEMA-approved water rescue program. The commission's water rescue curricula, including courses like Water Rescue for the First Responder and Emergency Boat Operations and Rescue, benefit from Calhoun's rewrites, new PowerPoint presentations, and training videos.
Calhoun's ability to create concise, effective lesson plans has made him a nationally recognized expert in water rescue. His efforts have earned him the PFBC’s Outstanding Service Award, highlighting his exceptional service and expertise. His dedication to improving water rescue training and safety protocols is evident in the lives saved through his work.
NASBLA commends Calhoun for his outstanding commitment to promoting safe and responsible boating throughout Pennsylvania and beyond. His dedication and passion for boating education have made a significant difference in enhancing the safety and enjoyment of boaters across the region. Congratulations, Christopher Calhoun!
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Generously sponsored by Kalkomey Enterprises Inc., the Pamela S. Dillon Boating Educator of the Year Award was launched by NASBLA in 2011 to recognize those who engage students and boaters, raise awareness, and make boating education initiatives relevant, thorough and exciting.
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is a national nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories. We offer a variety of resources, including training, model acts, education standards and publications. Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers and volunteers, we affect the lives of nearly 85 million American boaters.