Recreational Boating Safety (RBS)
Program Visitation
The Power Squadrons and Coast Guard Auxiliary share a common goal – Boating Safety
Joint commitment to a key community outreach program – Vessel Safety Checks
Mutual vision
A key element of the Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) outreach effort
Promotes safe boating through local businesses, offices, and marine dealerships
Distributes safety-related brochures, training opportunities, and Vessel Safety Check information
What is Program Visitation?
Save lives and property Increase public awareness of the organization
Enhance the organization’s imageRecruit new members
Program benefits
Recruit partner facilities for education programs
Promote other programs:◦America’s Boating Course◦Boating education programs◦Seminars◦Vessel Safety Checks
Program benefits
Program VisitorsProgram PartnersRecreational boating public
Key Program Elements
Critical to a successful program Specially trained and certified member
Very knowledgeable about organization’s missions, recreational boating safety, and the U.S. Coast Guard
Program Visitor
Program Visitor is an:◦Educator◦Good will ambassador◦Recruiter◦Salesperson◦Source of information
Program Visitor
Make a commitmentBe assigned a mentorStudy the manual and materialPass the examConduct supervised visitsReceive a certificationMaintain currency
Becoming a Program Visitor
Program Partners
Businesses that volunteer to assist with distributing RBS literature
Allow the display of literature display racks in their establishments
Program Partners
MarinasBait shopsBoat rampsRepair stationsBoating supply stores
Traditional Partners
Doctor’s officesGrocery storesGas stationsCoffee shopsHardware storesThe list is as good as you make it!
Non-traditional Partners
Initial contact◦Know the potential partner before you contact them
◦Understand the partner’s needs◦Know what materials are applicable to the partner
◦Wear appropriate attire
Developing Partners
Explain the benefits of participation Provide a professional display of
materials Service them regularly Be reliable and available, when
needed Stress commitment to boating
safety
Developing Partners
Find a good spot for the display box◦Using the display promotes the organization’s programs and missions
◦Promote boating safety events like National Boating Safety Week
◦Promote boater classes, vessel safety check events, and membership
Developing Partners
Consists of:◦Vessel Safety
Check information◦Life jacket wear◦State and local
boating handouts ◦Information about
classes & vessel safety check events
Literature
Get a professional
photo of the new box
Enhance Boating Safety image with public
Stay current on information and programs of interest
Provide closer contact with the Program Visitor for answers to questions
Program Partners benefits
Recreational Boating Public
Source: USCG Imagery: http://www.uscgboating.org/gallery/default.aspx
Enhances public educationBetter awareness of federal, state and local safety requirements
Awareness of organization’s missions and services
Understand boat owner’s and operator’s responsibilities
Program contribution
Vast, untapped resource2010 statistics indicate there are:◦82 million adult Americans participating in recreational boating
◦12.7 million boats registered in the United States
Program benefits
Participation in the RBS Program Visitation program enhances recreational boating safety by:◦Increasing contact with the public
◦Broadening distribution of boating safety information
Summary
It has been a pleasure meeting with you.
Thank You