SWEET 16 AND NEVER BEEN MISSED!NEWSLETTER OF THE NATIONAL SAFE BOATING COUNCIL 2011 VOLUME 12 Issue 2

hope it’s Not your wakeThe definition of a boat wake is the wave of water resulting from the passage of the boat’s hull. Some boaters define wake as the wave producedbyanotherboatthatisfuntojumpwithyourboat.Thisseconddefinitionispotentiallydangerous.Wakejumping,ifdonecloseto the boat causing the wake, can be risky business. In most states, it is illegal for a boat to jump the wake of another boat within a certain distance, usually less than 50 to 150 feet. This distance may vary from state to state. In fact, depending on the state, wake jumping can be defined as careless, reckless, or negligent operation. Also, you are responsible for any property damage or injuries resulting from your wake.

This message is brought to you by Rolyan Buoys. www.rolyanbuoys.com

Andyouwon’twanttomissthe16thInternationalBoatingandWaterSafetySummit to be held in San Diego, California at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay. Withthecooloceanbreezes,mildMediterraneanclimate,greatlocationandaspectacular program, this is a must attend conference.

The Summit is an excellent opportunity for boating and water safety professionals and volunteers to hear first-hand what is going in the world of recreational boating. Topic highlights will include media outreach, what programs are out there for children, approaches to law enforcement, online training, hands-on training, and award winning programs.

The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina, which is a prime waterfront location on the magnificent Mission Bay, is the site for the 2012 Summit. The Summit willbeginonSunday,March4,andendwiththeAwardsBanquetonWednesday,March 7. Popular attractions within three to five miles of the hotel include the San DiegoZoo,GaslampQuarter,BalboaPark,SeaportVillageandSeaWorldPark.Inaddition to these amazing attractions, there are dazzling beaches, superb restaurants and fabulous shopping.

You don’t want to miss it!Please visit our web site, http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/summit/index.htm

for more information about the Summit.

CONGRESSIONAL RECEPTIONThe tenth annual Congressional Reception, co-hosted by the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), was held on May 17, 2011,intheGoldRoomoftheRayburnHouseOfficeBuildinginWashington,D.C.Theeventhigh-lightsthekick-offofNationalSafeBoatingWeekandrecognizestherecipientsoftheNSBCConflu-ence Award. The Confluence Award is given to members of Congress or other government officials who have aided in the bringing together of people, resources and vision toward the betterment of safer boating. These individuals, through their positions of prestige and responsibility, have fought for important steps towards funding, laws, legislation, programs and regulations for boating safety. This year, the award was given to Rear Admiral Kevin Cook, Director of Prevention Policy, United States Coast Guard, in recognition of his efforts for boating safety.

Caption: Rear Admiral Cook (center) received the NSBC Confluence Award from Virgil Chambers (left), NSBC Executive Director, and Fred Messmann (right), NSBC Deputy Director.

trivia

premium memBers

aNd Now CommeNts from our Chair

Congratulations to our previous Sperry Top-Sider winner, Marty Law from the Oregon State Marine Board! He received a pair of shoes courtesy of Sperry Top-Sider for being the first person to send a correct answer to the NSBC. Remember, the first person to send a correct answer to office@safeboatingcouncil.org will receive a pair of Sperry Top-Sider shoes! Good luck!

QUESTION: Recreational boats under 20 feet in length - inboard, outboard, and stern-drive (other than sailboats and other certain special types of craft) must have a capacity plate. This capacity plate lists

Maximum Horse Power; Maximum Persons; Maximum Weight Capacity -persons, motor and gear (pounds). The capacity plate calculation is based on the average weight of a person being how many pounds?

LAST ISSUE’S QUESTION: In what year did the USCG regulations establish approval procedures for fully inflatable life jackets?

ANSWER: 1996

Also, check out Passion for the Sea:Passion for the Sea is a new online social network, powered by Sperry Top-Sider, dedicated to people like us who can’t imagine life without crashing waves and salty air. It’s a place to share your experiences and adventures, product opinions and common passion for the sea. Go to www.passionforthesea.com to join now!

For reference and citation information, please contact outreach@safeboatingcouncil.org.Disclaimer:WinnersoftheSperryTop-SidercontestmustbemembersoftheNationalSafeBoatingCouncilingoodstanding.Aperson

may not win more than once in a two (2) year period.

To learn more about Sperry Top-Sider, please visit their website at: www.sperrytopsider.com 2

patroN memBers:Boat Ed

BoatErExam.com

BoatU.S.BrUnSwick corporation

mEtLifE aUto & HomE

nationaL marinE manUfactUrErS aSSociation

rEScUE tEcHnoLogiES corporation

roLyan BUoyS

SEBago, inc.SEntinEL prESS

SpErry top-SidEr

waL-mart StorES

wESt marinE prodUctS

witHin rEacH

yamaHa motor corporation

sustaiNiNg memBers:acr ELEctronicS

amErican pokEr rUnS aSSociation

Brp, inc.BrUnSwick Boat groUp

kawaSaki motorS corporation, U.S.a.mErcUry marinE

mUStang SUrvivaL

orion SafEty prodUctS

StanLEy yacHt SErvicES, inc. tEnnESSEE wiLdLifE rESoUrcES agEncy

tHE coLEman company

waLSH marinE prodUctS

New orgaNizatioNal memBers:

BUrEaU of Land managEmEnt, cHEyEnnE, wyoming

firSt coaSt gUard diStrict

manitoU pontoon BoatS

profESSionaL paddLESportS aSSociation

StanLEy yacHt SErvicES, inc.

New iNdividual memBers:Jo ann ficca

As I write this, the 2011 summer season is in full swing across our great nation. Hot, hot, hot is the weather, which may well entice even more of America’s recreational boaters to enjoy our country’s lakes, rivers, oceans and waterways. But, I am confident that the NSBC and its many partners are also out and about, sharing the message of “Safer Boating Through Education, Outreach and Training.”

One of our partners, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, had the honor of ringing the opening bell at NASDAQ to mark the start of National Safe Boating WeekonMay20,2011.(www.safeboatingcampaign.com)Priortothebell,

Auxiliary members demonstrated the “Ready, Set, Inflate!” program to raise awareness of the importance of wearing a life jacket.

The second annual “Ready, Set, Inflate!” event took place on May 21, 2011. (www.ReadySetInflate.com) 1,685 people gathered at more that 99 venues around the world (37 U.S. states and territories and six countries) to set a new world record for the number of participants who inflated their life jacket or wore an inherently buoyant one for the event. To quote Bob Minielly, my good friend and Chair of the Canadian Safe Boating Council, “The ultimategoalofthiseventisnottosetaworldrecord.We’rejusthopingtogetboatersfromaround the country…and the world…to get excited and involved in a fun and educational way to spread the word about life jacket safety.”

This was followed up on Sunday, July 10, 2011, by an appearance on “Fox and Friends” with Bark Buckle UP and the NSBC. Both organizations delivered important boating safety information.TheyalsoremindedboatersthattheNSBC’s“WearIt!”lifejacketsafetycampaignalso includes buckling up your pet. Bark Buckle UP is the recognized go-to expert and leading research team on pet travel safety. (www.barkbuckleup.com)

What all this shows tome is that there are numerous, dedicated individuals andorganizations communicating the boating safety message on a daily basis. Today’s world is very different with cell phones and the internet…we all know this…and we also know that what we really want to do is “un-plug” and enjoy life on the water in a boat. I know I am preaching to the choir, but I also know it is an active and dependable choir that will continue to serve the recreational boating and fishing communities here and abroad.

My days as NSBC Chair are nearing an end. I will complete my three-year term in September atNASBLAinMilwaukee,WI.Ithasbeenthreeveryactive,engagingandfunyears.Ideeplyappreciate and thank my NSBC Board Members, Partners/Ex-Officio Members and Staff. They work hard every day to support recreational boating safety, education, and training programs and resources that benefit all who take the time to continue to learn and expand their knowledge of boating safety so that recreational boating remains an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Fondly,Veronica McCann FloydChair-NSBC

weB site direCtoryFor general information about the

NSBC visit: www.safeboatingcouncil.org

For information about the Campaign visit:

www.safeboatingcampaign.com

For kids’ boating information visit:www.boatingsidekicks.com

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New partNerships aNd opportuNities further expaNd the “wear it!” message

Whowouldhavethoughtthataphonecallwitha“PetSafetyLady”wouldresultinnationalnewscoveragefortheNationalSafeBoatingCounciland“WearIt!”campaign?Sometimes that’s just how things happen! In mid-July, as the temperature was heating up throughout the country and boaters were taking refuge on our nation’s waters, the NSBC and Bark Buckle UP headed to New York City to join Fox and Friends LIVE to deliver important boating safety information. The news segment centered around the importance of life jacket wear at all times while boating for everyone onboard, including the family pet, as well as otherimportantboatingsafetytips.Thecoolestthing?The“WearItNewYork!”wrappedtruck and boat were prominently displayed in the background!

Let’s also not forget the power of social media. The NSBC received a random Twitter message from one of its followers asking if anyone had seen the season premiere of “DeadliestCatch.”Whatwassospecialaboutthisepisode?The“WearIt!”bumperstickerthatwasgiventoCaptainKeithColburnoftheWizardatthe2010IBWSSwasonthewindowof his boat - you can’t pay for better promotion than that!

Goingevenmoreoutsidethebox,the“WearIt!”logonowappearsonabrandnewdive flag PSA, created by the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA). Their organizationfoundthe“WearIt!”campaignonlineandwantedtoincludetheimportantcampaignmessagewithoutanyfinancialbuy-infromtheNSBC.The“WearIt!”logocanbeseen at the end of the segment (seconds 26-30).

Thankseveryoneforallyoursupportofthe“WearIt!”campaignandtheNationalSafeBoating Council. So many great things are happening with the national campaign as well as thestate-targetedeffortsinMichigan,NewYork,andWashington.Don’tforget-allthenewsrelated to the campaign and NSBC can be found on Facebook and Twitter.

traiNiNg updateThe National Safe Boating Council’s training program has been like a seedling growing its

roots and now is developing its branches to bring fruit. The number of courses has doubled the last couple of years. More instructors are using the various training curriculum to train others. The outreach from our programs is growing.

The Council has three Instructor courses currently; the Boating Safety Instructor Course, the Paddlesports Standards Instructor Course and the Instructor Close-Quarters Boat Control Course. The Boating Safety Instructor Course partners with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and focuses on the NASBLA standards by providing the proper interpretation of each standard for instructors who will be teaching course content. The course

also gives multiple ways to teach the information with interactive skits. This course aids states and organizations by having qualified and capable boating education instructors plus giving professional development, growth and recognition.

The Paddlesports Standards Instructor Course is in partnership with NASBLA and focuses on the NASBLA standards by providing the proper interpretation of each standard for instructors who will be teaching the three hour classroom course content by one of the Paddlesports Course Providers. This course gives instructors multiple techniques on how to make a classroom course fun and interactive. All of this is to help states and organizations to have capable and qualified paddlesports instructors.

The Instructor Close-Quarters Boat Control Course with the assistance of the United States Coast Guard grant has conducted three courses and is offering 2 more courses this year. This course focuses on maneuvers and techniques used for basic boat handling and to control a boat in close quarters such as docking, coming along side, backing and turning in a narrow space. The curriculum is presented in an easy-to-follow format.

Courses:

Courses that were conducted by the trained students:•ArizonaGameandFishDepartmenttrained40localmarinepatrolofficersinFebruary•UtahStateParksandRecreationhavebeentraining50peoplethissummer•NevadaDepartmentofWildlifehasusedthistrainingfor10oftheirnewrecruits•OhioDivisionofWatercrafttrained32localmarinepatrolofficersinMayand8newofficersinApril•PennsylvaniaBoat&FishCommissionandNewYorkStateTroopersareplanningonusingthecurriculumthisyear

Boating Safety Instructor Courses: March 3 & 4, 2011 – Savannah, GA – 8 students May 17 & 18, 2011 – Honolulu, HI – 12 students July 15 & 16, 2011 – Columbus, OH – cancelled Sept.8&9,2011–Milwaukee,WI–Upcoming

Paddlesports Standard Instructor Course: June 3-5, 2011 – Stevensville, MD – 12 students

Instructor Close-Quarters Boat Control: Feb. 16 & 17, 2011 – Phoenix, AZ – 15 students April 13 & 14, 2011 – Nashville, TN – 23 students April 27 & 28, 2011 – Columbus, OH – 23 students August 24 & 25, 2011 – Nashville, TN – Upcoming Sept. 21 & 22, 2011 – Columbus, OH – Upcoming

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New world reCord set duriNg this

year’s “ready, set, iNflate!” eveNtBoaters have blown away another

world record for inflatable life jacket wear. During the second annual “Ready, Set, Inflate!” event held on May 21, 2011, 1,685 people gathered at more than 99 events held around the world (37 US states and territories, 6 countries) to set a new world record for the number of participants who inflated their inflatable life jacket or wore an inherently buoyant life jacket. The annual event, hosted by the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) in partnership with the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC), serves as the kickoff to National Safe BoatingWeek,heldMay21–27,2011andaims to heighten awareness of inflatable life jackets and life jacket safety.

The previous world record was set during last year’s “Ready, Set, Inflate!” event, which tallied 1,154 participants.

The success of “Ready, Set, Inflate!” Inflatable Life JacketWorldRecordDaydepends on local sponsors and partners. Cabela’s® served as the national sponsor intheU.S.WestMarinealsoheldeventsthroughout North America as part of their National Safe BoatingWeek outreachand education efforts. Leland, Ltd. and iSi Components offered over 1,000 CO2 cartridges to allow participants the opportunity to inflate their life jacket, but also practice re-arming techniques of inflatable life jackets. SmartBoater sponsored the event throughout Canada bringing the important message of life jacket wear to boaters throughout the country.

More information about each regional event and to view pictures, videos and educational materials about life jacket safety are available at www.ReadySetInflate.com.

NsBC aNNouNCes fall CoNtest aNd graNt appliCatioN deadliNes

Joyce F. Shaw - NSBC Contest Committee Chair

It is no secret all are suffering in this depressed economy. Non profits and charitable organizations are especially hard hit as members search for creative ways to fund special interests and causes. Those who share the mission of the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) to advance and promote a safer recreational boating experience through education, outreach and training have found the surest way to get the greatest return from limited resources is to work together in partnership to achieve common goals. Withmorethan300memberorganizations,NSBCissuchapartnership.

NSBC serves as a unifying resource for organizations that seek the goal of Safer Boating through Education. Among the many benefits and opportunities NSBC offers to its member organizations, the Council partners with member organizations to offer an annual award and a grant. These opportunities recognize individuals and organizational partners in the boating community that create innovative programs designed to improve boating education and raise awareness of recreational boating safety-related issues.

BoatU.S. Foundation Boating Safety Youth Program Award:BoatU.S. Foundation, NSBC member, sponsors the Boating Safety Youth Program Award. The program

provides a vehicle to recognize individuals and organizations that have developed and successfully implemented innovative boating education programs directed at youth. To qualify, a program must integrate safety practices and address students 18 years of age or younger with issues and concerns of national interest. Selection priority is given to unique or creative programs that promote a primary goal of increasing boat safety and safety awareness.

The BSYP Award is awarded annually and carries a cash prize of $2,500 and a commemorative trophy. The award package includes an expense-paid trip for a representative of the winning program to attend the International Boating and Water Safety Summit to receive their award. Time is scheduled in the Summit agenda for the recipient to present a 45-minute workshop about his award-winning program.The2012IBWSSwillbeheldinSanDiego,California,4–7March.

ChristineCrawford,co-founderandchair-personofHuronWaterSafetyDaywasthe2011recipientof the BoatU.S. BSYP Award. She commented on her recent win: “It is really hard to put into words what the NSBC’s Boating Safety Youth Program Award has meant to our Huron Water Safety Day. Through the amazing connections we made at the IBWSS, we were able to bring new programs to our May 11 event. We added more boating and water safety education materials to our goody bags and reached deeper into the schools to provide safety messages to a larger segment of students. The award money also enabled us to re-tool our program for 2012. Instead of a one day event for 3rd and 4th grade students, we will have a half day beachside program for our 3rd graders and a full day waterside program for our 4th graders. Our plan is to actually put our 4th graders in kayaks and sailing dinghies and give them even more hands on boating experiences. The network of incredible ideas we have picked up from our contacts has just been amazing.”

Applications for the BSYP Award are due no later than December 31 of each calendar year. Applications will be evaluated by a NSBC Award Committee based on published criteria that includes a program description, budget proposal, and availability of the program to be duplicated by others. The NSBC may require an interview with the program administrator before final selection of each award is made. Award monies may be used to purchase necessary equipment, audio visual aids, printing, teaching aids, program promotion and advertisement, rental time of pool or waterfront facilities, transportation to on-the-water sites or other costs associated with the advancement of the program. Funds may not be used as wages or salaries for instructors.

OMC Foundation “Take ‘em Boating” Grant Program:The purpose of the “Take’em Boating” Grant is to promote and develop interest in boating for

future generations. Funded by the Outboard Marine Corporation Foundation, the OMC Foundation “Take’em Boating” Grant program seeks to continue the legacy of former employees by promoting interest in boating safety, environmental awareness, and the marine industry. The Take’em Boating Grant encourages organizations to develop creative and innovative programs to get kids into boats and on the water, and to demonstrate benefits of water-related activities.

The $5,000 grant is awarded annually to the selected youth program that safely gets kids into boating activities while promoting the future of the marine industry through environmental education, safety awareness and boating enjoyment. Applications from non profits, organizations, companies and agencies are accepted each calendar year between October 1 and December 31. The grant winner will be announced in early spring.

2011 grant recipient, Ray Sanborn with Kama’aina Kids in Oahu, Hawaii said: “Attending the International Boating and Water Safety Summit to receive the grant proved to be an invaluable opportunity for our program because of the many new contacts we made. We used some grant monies to offer the NSBC Instructor Training Course to five of our staff members who have since trained others. These additional qualified staff members enabled us to expand our program to more than 800 youth this summer, offering both sailing and kayaking in on-the-water activities. We also are developing a new partnership with the Spirit of America program.”

NSBC welcomes the opportunity to encourage and recognize projects that have made lasting contributions to the interest of boating safety. For inquiries about contests and/or grants contact the NationalSafeBoatingCouncil:[Phone](703)361-4294;[E-mail]office@safeboatingcouncil.org;[WebSite] http://safeboatingcouncil.org.

Each year we talk a lot about how “environmental stressors” related to boating - wind, sun, noise, glare, constant motion, and dehydration – contribute to boater fatigue. Operating a vessel responsibly requires all persons on board, especially the operator, to be fully alert and perform essential tasks, such as maintaining a proper lookout and complying with the navigation rules.

Many boat operators and passengers greatly underestimate the effect that stressors alone have in increasing fatigue and raising the risk of a boat accident. Think about it: the glare of bright sunlight off the water and dehydration caused by the heat of a summer day; the noise and vibration of the engine and the constant movement of the vessel caused by wind, waves and forward motion. Throw in the use of alcohol and these stressors can have more of an impact on a person’s physical and cognitive abilities than they realize.

Yet it’s surprising how little attention is given to the effects of environmental stressors by those of us in boating safety.

As any experienced boater can tell you, just the extra effort required to maintain your balance makes even the simplest tasks – standing, walking, lifting, moving objects – considerably more difficult. A person may tire more quickly, regardless of their age or fitness level. The constant vibration can lead to headaches, irritability, dizziness, and blurred vision.

For all of these reasons, encouraging an active program of prevention tied to reducing the impact of environmental stressors should be an important part of our Boat Responsibly! effort.

Rule #1: wear a life jacket. Having a life jacket on provides that needed safety net, especially when subjected to the effects of the stressors.

A hat and a good pair of sunglasses can combat the bright sun and glare off the water.

For motion sickness, medication can help but in the excitement of getting underway, boat operators and passengers often forget to take the medication an hour in advance as suggested. Also, some medication leaves certain individuals feeling groggy and drowsy and in no condition to help with the boat or take quick action to avoid an accident. Boaters should know that directing their gaze to a fixed point on the horizon can help them find and keep their sea legs.

As we remind boaters every summer, alcoholic beverages should be avoided on the water because their effects can impair judgment and depth perception.

To stay well hydrated, people need to know to drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverages before, during, and after a day spent boating or engaged in water sports. A good rule of thumb while boating in warm weather is to drink at least some water every 15-20 minutes.

* * * * *The U.S. Coast Guard reminds all boaters to “Boat Responsibly!” For more

tips on boating safety, visit www.uscgboating.org.

Boaters Need to Be aware that eNviroNmeNtal “stressors”CaN iNCrease the risk of aN aCCideNt

John M. Malatak, Chief, Program Operations U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division

2011 symposiumst. JohN’s, NewfouNdlaNd aNd laBrador – septemBer 22Nd to 24th

The Canadian Safety Boating Council (CSBC) is holding its annual symposium in beautiful St. John’s from Thursday September 22nd to Saturday September 24th at the Delta St. John’s.

This is the perfect platform for:- Professional development and learning for boating safety enthusiasts; - Sharing new safe boating research and innovative ideas;- Connecting with boating safety organizations to exchange information and resources.

St. John’s is the perfect venue for the 2011 symposium, with its rich maritime history and unique culture. The locale overlooks scenic St. John’s harbour, with historic George Street just minutes away, a place to experience warm hospitality and live entertainment. Spanning three days, you can expect plenty of time for work, networking and getting together with other boating safety professionals and volunteers.

We anticipate approximately 100 people representing government policy makers, not for profit organizations, marine law enforcement, first responders, volunteers and marine manufacturers. International participants enrich the mix, with representation expected from the U.S. National Safe Boating Council, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard. Past symposiums have also welcomed participants from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

Symposium highlights include:• Afulldayworkshopconcurrentwiththemainprogramme,focusingon“ColdWaterResponse”forthosekeenonhands-ontraining;• AvisittotheinternationallyrenownedMarineInstituteoftheMemorialUniversityofNewfoundland;• Ahands-onopportunitytoexperienceasmallboattrainingsimulator;• Boatingsafetyinsightsfromnearandfar,past,presentandfuture,withpresentationsfromAustralia,theFrenchislandsofSt.PierreandMiquelon

(to be confirmed), Newfoundland and Labrador Ground SAR Association, St. John’s Annual Regatta organizers, the Canadian Rangers and the U.S. Coast Guard and National Safe Boating Council;

• AfirstforCSBC,insightsonhowsocialmarketingtechniquescanbeusedtoinfluenceboaterbehaviour,withapresentationfromarenownedexpert in the field;

• AnupdateonCSBCPersonalFlotationDevicetaskforce,buildingonextensivediscussionsfromtheMontrealsymposium.

This event builds on a great 2010 symposium in Montreal. This is what we heard last year.• Itwaswonderfultomeetsomanypassionate,likemindedboatingsafetypeople.• BestconferenceI’veattendedsofar.Excellentspeakersandqualitytopics.• TheColdWaterBootCampsessionwasoneofthebestIhaveeverattended.Excellentjob!• Exceededmyexpectations.Goodinternationaldiscussiontohelpothersmapoutthewayahead.

If past participant experiences are any indication, the 2011 symposium will be the boating safety ‘event of the year’. Make sure you are part of it! For more information and to register go to: www.csbc.ca

These two boaters came prepared to combat the effects of natural stressors with life jackets, water, hats and sunglasses.

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2011 Calendar for Boating Safety

augustAug. 22 – 23 National Life Jacket Tiger Team, Arlington, VirginiaAug. 24 – 25 Instructor Level Close-Quarters Boat Control Course,

Nashville, TennesseeAug. 25 – 28 U.S.C.G. Auxiliary National Conference, Charlotte, North CarolinaAug. 31 Applications for Presentations for the 2012 Summit Due

septemBerSept. 9 – 10 NSBC Boating Safety Instructor Training Course,

Milwaukee,WisconsinSept.11–14NASBLAAnnualConference,Milwaukee,WisconsinSept. 14 – 17 USPS Governing Board Meeting, Greensboro, North CarolinaSept. 21 – 22 Instructor Level Close-Quarters Boat Control Course,

Columbus, OhioSept. 22 – 24 CSBC Symposium, St. John’s, Newfoundland & LabradorSept.23 NSCBClose-QuartersBoatControlWorkshop,Columbus,OhioSept. 30 – Oct. 2 American Canoe Association National Paddlesports

Conference, Louisville, Kentucky

oCtoBerOct. 8 National Boating Federation Annual Meeting, Irving, TexasOct.14 NationalBoatingSafetyAdvisoryCouncilMeeting,Washington,

D.C.Oct. 27 – 29 US Sailing Annual General Meeting, Annapolis, Maryland

deCemBerDec. 31 Boating Safety Youth Award Program Applications DueDec. 31 OMC “Take’em Boating” Grant Applications DueDec. 31 Summit Scholarship Applications Due

what is the “Bat-pak” aNd how is it promotiNg the “wear it!” CampaigN?

If you’re somewhere around Florida or happen to know Bruce and Stacey Wright,you’reprobablyaware of BAT-PAK – also known as the “Boating

Advisory Trailer Public Awareness Kit.” For the rest of us, here’s a quickcrashcourseonBAT-PAK:picturea10,000pound,24’WellsCargo trailer with two large doors that open to reveal a fantastic recreational boating safety training aid.

In2005,BruceandStaceyWrightconceivedtheBAT-PAK,andwithin two years, the dream came true. Funded in part by the Office of Boating Safety, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, this moving bill-boardwrappedwiththe“WearIt!”logo,plusotherimportantmes-sagessuchas“BoatResponsibly”andAmerica’sWaterwayWatch,has been throughout Florida in Tampa, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, and Miami and has made its way up to Savannah, Atlanta, and Charles-ton! The BAT-PAK can be seen anywhere from seafood festivals, sportingevents,evenatWestMarineStoresandBassProShops.

Annually the display is refined to represent the latest in safety concerns. Most recent are displays on dive safety, paddle sport, flare safety and an interactive Digital Selective Calling Panel Display to help boaters to gain a better understanding of DSC. There’s even an interactive Kids Center where Sammy the Sea Otter lives! Sammy the Sea Otter helps to deliver important boating safety mes-sage, such as life jacket wear, to kids (and their parents!).

Visitors young and old learn so much by looking at the dis-plays and talking to the crew. This has been a terrific asset to the boating safety message, and could be copied in your area. If you ever get the chance to see this BAT-PAK, don’t pass it up! 5

First ClassU.S. Postage

PAIDColumbus, OHPermit #8827

NatioNal Safe BoatiNg CouNCilP.O. Box 509

Bristow, VA 20136Phone (703) 361-4294

Fax (703) 361-5294office@safeboatingcouncil.org

Website: www.safeboatingcouncil.org

B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R SVeronica Floyd, ChairBrunswick Corporation

Joyce Shaw, Vice ChairU. S. Power Squadrons

Ruth Wood, Past ChairBoatU.S. Foundation

Lynda Nutt, TreasurerU. S. Army Corps of Engineers

Robin Freeman, SecretaryU.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Betsy Woods, At-LargeTennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

Chris EdmonstonBoatU.S. Foundation

Ed Huntsman, At-LargeArizona Game and Fish Department

EX-OFFICIO

John MalatakUSCG, Division of Boating Safety

Bill GossardNational Transportation Safety Board

Bob MiniellyCanadian Safe Boating Council

Jim GraybealNational Association of State Boating Law Administrators

Gary OwenNational Water Safety Congress

Virgil ChambersExecutive Director