Ohio DNR boating educator gets top accolades

Columbus — Natural Resources Officer (NRO) Travis Ferguson of the Ohio DNR (ODNR) Division of Parks and Watercraft was honored by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) as the 2025 Boating Educator of the Year for the State of Ohio and the Northern Region Educator of the Year.

Ferguson will be formally recognized at the NASBLA Annual Conference this September in Des Moines, Iowa.

“Travis Ferguson is the kind of officer who lives and breathes boating safety,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “His passion for education, deep knowledge of Ohio waterways, and commitment to community engagement have made him an incredible asset not just to ODNR, but to every boater he teaches and interacts with.”

Ferguson has served with ODNR for 13 years, dedicating much of his career to enhancing public safety and education on Ohio’s waterways. In 2024 alone, he taught five Ohio Boater Education Courses to 74 students, logging 78 hours of classroom instruction and 184 hours of on-the-water training. He also completed 65 vessel safety checks, conducted 156 hours of boat patrol, and contributed 46 hours to debris removal following a tornado at Indian Lake State Park helping restore safe navigation for the public.

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Ferguson’s extensive experience on Lake Erie informs his engaging and relatable teaching style, something frequently noted by his students, who often cite “the instructor, Travis” as their favorite part of the course. His expertise is so well regarded that outside agencies regularly request his instruction. Notably, his encouragement led the Toledo Fire Department to incorporate the Ohio Boater Education Course into its fire academy curriculum. In 2024, he was inducted as an honorary member of the Toledo Sail and Power Squadron for his contributions to boating education.

In addition to his public education efforts, Ferguson plays a leading role in officer training statewide. He serves as an instructor for several courses, including NASBLA Officer Water Survival, Swift Water Rescue, NSBC Boat Control, and Basic Marine Patrol Training. As a field training officer, he mentors new recruits in safe boat operations and patrol protocols.

Ferguson’s commitment to safety extends beyond traditional instruction. He regularly leads boating and paddling programs through the Outdoor Adventure Kids initiative, which introduces youth facing barriers to law enforcement and outdoor recreation in a positive, supportive setting.

The Northern Region award covers 20 states, including Ohio, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and others across the Midwest and Northeast. Ferguson’s selection from this competitive pool reflects the far-reaching impact of his work and his dedication to building safer, more inclusive waterways.

The Pamela S. Dillon Boating Educator of the Year Award, established by NASBLA in 2011, honors educators for their innovation, leadership, and effectiveness in promoting boating safety. Regional award winners are eligible for the national title, which will be announced at the NASBLA Awards Banquet on Sept. 18.

For more information on the Educator of the Year Award and other NASBLA recognitions, visit here.