Wearing your life jacket while boating not only will keep you safe but can also get you a sweet treat from Dairy Queen.
Minnesota kids wearing life jackets while boating this summer will not only be practicing boat safety, but also could be rewarded with an ice cream treat.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Officer Darrin Fagerman said the DNR has partnered with Dairy Queen to provide a PFD Panda Award certificate to youngsters who are observed by conservation officers to be wearing a life jacket while boating. The certificate includes a tear-off coupon that entitles the child to a free cone or cheeseburger from participating Dairy Queen restaurants. “We’ve given out quite a few of them already this summer,” said Fagerman.
“We at International Dairy Queen are pleased with the idea,” said Ryan Hassebroek, regional marketing manager for the Minnesota-based company. “It is a great way to encourage children to wear their life jackets and our hope is that this safe boating behavior continues right through adulthood.”
Currently more than 96 percent of children now wear a life jacket while boating in Minnesota, according to recent studies conducted by the DNR. That’s an increase from about 47 percent in 1984.
The PFD Panda Award certificate was created by the DNR after a conservation officer suggested there be a reward for children wearing their life jacket. PFD Panda is the DNR’s mascot that encourages kids to boat safely. PFD refers to personal flotation device, the official name given to life jackets.
Jason Lynch, manager of the Grand Marais Dairy Queen, said his franchise is happy to partner with the DNR on the program. “We think this is a great way to encourage children to wear their life jackets. We hope that safe boating behavior continues right through adulthood,” said Lynch.
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