When the young ones come to visit, make sure they know the safety rules before running out on the dock.David Thomas of Moon, inspired by the tragic loss of a child from a dock, created a fun, free coloring book, “Dock Safety Coloring Book.” That will go a long way toward teaching the right way to behave on and around a dock.The book is filled with pictures depicting important lessons about dock safety. Thomas said each story is based on a real-life account he has received from others.

Since beginning the printing (at his expense) and distribution (mostly in his vehicle) several years ago, Thomas has gotten 5,300 copies to the public. The book is free, and free to copy, and he has no idea how many others have been copied and reprinted, all in an effort to teach children dock safety.

An admiral in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary got hold of a copy, called Thomas, and said he would print and distribute 1,000 books. The topic of dock safety is one that has been overlooked, the admira...