A Destin boating-industry representative told the Okaloosa County School Board he has prepared a work plan for introducing boating-safety education to every district high school and urged the board to consider adopting the material.

John Stevens, who identified himself as co-founder of a Water Sports Coalition and a member of the Florida Boating Advisory Council, said some schools already teach the curriculum: "Students in some schools like Crestview High School, they already received this education thanks to Mr. Ernie Martin, who's taught this boating education for over 20 years." He provided the board with a planning packet and copies of the Boat Smart book used for boating safety certification.

Stevens told the board that "anyone born after 01/01/1988" must receive boating-safety certification to operate a boat in Florida, and he framed school-based instruction as a way to set students up for success. He also raised a concern common to teacher-led programs: when a teacher leaves, the program can disappear.

Board members responded positively in public remarks after the presentations. Chair Dr. White thanked the presenters and noted the students and volunteers who support such efforts; another board member said two minutes was not enough time and reported quarterly discussions with the superintendent about taking the idea forward with outside partners, including the Marine Industry Association, Tallahassee lobbyists, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Fish and Wildlife representatives. The transcript shows no formal board action on the proposal during the meeting.

Discussion vs. decision: The presentation was part of the public comment period; it prompted supportive remarks but no motion or vote. The transcript does not record a timetable, funding plan, or formal assignment to staff to pursue implementation.