Secaucus students got hands on lessons on water safety Wednesday when the U.S. Coast Guard arrived with canoes, kayaks and even a helicopter.

A U.S. Coast Guard HH65C rescue helicopter landed in the field right behind Secaucus High School for the Coast Guard?s marine and water safety fair. Nearly 2,200 students turned out for the event. Many got to sit behind the controls of the rescue chopper and meet members of the Coast Guard.

Organizers emphasize the aim of the program is to teach water safety ahead of the summer months. Students were instructed on the importance of always wearing life jackets while on a boat.

"If we get one kid to put on a life jacket and it saves their life this summer, then the whole event was successful,? says U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Eric Smith.

The program?s other exhibits include paddling safely in canoes and kayaks, firefighting and solar energy demonstrations.