Product Review: Water Blocks 17–Piece Coast Guard Set (Age 4+)
Children Build Floating Towns, Bridges, Towers and More in the Bath and Pool
My first job after I graduated with my undergraduate degree was working on a Coast Guard/Naval Base on Swan Island in Portland, Oregon. I flew to Oregon from Ohio with just a suitcase and a temporary housing opportunity in the not-so-great area of town. I took three buses to get to Swan Island and the experience was amazing. I was the traveling help of the base and got to work in the Investigative Unit, in Logistics and a stint in the IT department. My favorite was helping out the Investigative Unit where I was invited to check out the investigation of an Egyptian ship that was suspected of hauling illegal cargo. While I was just tagging along for what was supposed to be a ‘routine exam’, the experience turned into a huge issue very quickly with the Egyptian crew members trying to buy off the Coast Guard and news anchors flying overhead in helicopters as things escalated. I was not able to get home until way after dark and I caught a glimpse of the news story later that night. It was a crazy experience but made me realize that the Coast Guard does quite a bit to help our coasts in the United States and it definitely opened my eyes to the amazing work that they do. Oh, I also learned how to correctly pronounce the Williamette (Will-Am-It) River while there. Oops! When I saw the Just Think Toys Water Blocks set that featured the Coast Guard, I knew we wanted to check it out.
The Water Blocks 17–Piece Coast Guard Set from ‘Just Think Toys’ is an open-ended classic block play that just happens to go in a watery environment. Bath time tub blocks just sound like a great idea even before we had a chance to play with them and they did not disappoint. The Coast Guard Water Block Set has a combination of floating towns, bridges and towers that work well in the water of a pool or tub. The set includes a Coast Guard Boat and a Helicopter to increase imaginative play with these water playscapes. As a bonus, Water Blocks are made from bacteria and mildew resistant EVA and contain no PVC or phthalates. Not only that, but Water Blocks have won the coveted Oppenheim Gold award for Best Toy. Love it! Oh, I think bath time enjoyment in our household just went up 100 percent with this block set. I guess guys (*ahem* my husband) still like to play with helicopters and boats well into adulthood. Ha! At least he is nice enough to let Brooke play, too!
Special Tip: Dipping BathBlocks in soap or shampoo suds increases their stick to tub walls and other blocks dramatically!
Water Blocks 17–Piece Coast Guard Set (Age 4+)
List Price: $15.99
Momma's Bacon 
Hey I never knew you worked on Swan Island. I spent many months there while the USCGC Polar Star was in Dry Dock. Semper Paratus! If my little ones were still little this would be a fun gift for them. Haha. Nice post!
Thanks so much for the post, Eric! Fantastic! Did you know CW Officer Heilman? Now that would be funny. Small world, though, so thought I’d ask. I always loved that his e-mail handle was LOTSAFOOD.
Went to boot camp with a Hellman, down it was the same guy though. My handle was Keymaster. Don’t ask!
Before or After Matrix?!? Ha. Nice.