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National Safe Boating Week Tip #5 - Take a Boating Safety Class

Posted By Gail Kulp, Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Updated: Monday, May 10, 2021

National Safe Boating Week Tip #5 - Take a Boating Safety Class

Taking a boating safety class is one of the first steps all boaters should take to ensure their safety on the water. According to the U.S. Coast Guard statistics, 70 percent of accidents were caused by operators with no formal boating education. Boats aren’t like cars and the levers and gears are not as simple to figure out, plus boats don’t have brakes like a car does. Getting the chance to learn how to operate your boat and maneuver safely from one place to another is important as is learning the Rules of the Road for navigating the waterways including knowing what to do when encountering various buoys and signs.

 

Every state has a different set of regulations as to who is required to take a boating safety class that vary depending on age and the type of boat being operated. While new boaters should take classes to learn the basics, even experienced boaters can benefit from taking a boating safety class, especially because boating laws may have changed over the years. An added benefit is that many boating insurance companies offer a discount if a boat owner completes an accredited class. And, with both classroom and online classes available, there is no excuse why you can’t take a boating safety class before the boating season starts.

 

To find a class approved in the state where you’ll be boating, go to the U.S. Coast Guard website’s directory of boater education sources. You can also take a state-of-the-art interactive, online boating safety course from our friends at iLearntoBoat.com and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Sea Tow Foundation.

Tags:  boating education  boating safety  boating safety class  boating safety course  National Safe Boating Week  nsbw21 

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National Safe Boating Week Tip #4 - Pledge to be a Sober Skipper

Posted By Gail Kulp, Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Updated: Monday, May 10, 2021

National Safe Boating Week Tip #4 - Pledge to be a Sober Skipper

 

Most people don’t realize that the sun, wind and motion of the boat greatly magnify the effects of alcohol or drug use even if the driver is under the legal limit. These additional stressors on the body can mean that the boat operator can still be impaired to the extent where safety is compromised. And, according to the U.S. Coast Guard’s report on recreational boating, there were 282 accidents, 113 deaths and 221 injuries that were attributed to Boating Under the Influence (BUI) in 2019. Every single one of these tragic events could have been prevented by having a Sober Skipper in control of the boat and all of the passengers on board to keep everyone safe.

 

The Sea Tow Foundation’s Sober Skipper Campaign was started in 2015 and, since that time, events have been held in all 50 states where yellow wristbands are distributed signifying that a boater has taken the pledge to be the Sober Skipper. To get a wristband that identifies you as a Sober Skipper, go to www.soberskipper.com and Take the Pledge today. Together, we can eliminate Boating Under the Influence accidents and deaths and keep everyone on the water safe.

 

Tags:  boating safety  National Safe Boating Week  nsbw21  sober skipper  sober skipper pledge  sober skipper program 

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National Safe Boating Week Tip #3 - File a Float Plan

Posted By Gail Kulp, Monday, May 24, 2021
Updated: Monday, May 10, 2021

National Safe Boating Week Tip #3 - File a Float Plan

One of the simplest and most effective ways to increase the safety of those on your boat is to always file a float plan before going out on the water. The float plan can be as simple as a post-it note or a text message to a responsible friend or family member staying on land. You need to include where you are planning to go, what time you plan to be back, and who to contact in an emergency. That way, if you don’t make it back when you said you would, emergency personnel can be notified and will know when and where to start looking for you.

Another option is that you can go to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s website and print a copy of their official Float Plan form, fill it out with the basic information about you, your boat and the emergency equipment you carry. Then you can make a lot of copies regarding details of the trip for that day and leave copies with friends and family members on land.

Tags:  boating safety  float plan  National Safe Boating Week  nsbw21 

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National Safe Boating Week Tip #2 - Use an Engine Cutoff Switch

Posted By Gail Kulp, Sunday, May 23, 2021
Updated: Monday, May 10, 2021

National Safe Boating Week Tip #2 - Use an Engine Cutoff Switch

Boat operators and passengers can fall overboard from a boat for a variety of reasons including being hit by the wake from another boat, hitting an unexpected object in the water, leaning over the gunwale too far, or simply losing your balance. Unlike a car’s accelerator that slows the car down when released, a boat’s power lever, or throttle, is designed to keep the power on without the need for constant pressure. This means that the boat will continue moving even if someone is no longer at the helm of the boat and this is why an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) or device is so important. If the operator or someone else ends up in the water accidentally, the boat’s propeller would still be moving and could cause serious injury or death unless an engine cut-off switch or device stopped it.

           

The most common engine cut-off switch uses a lanyard which is attached from the switch to the boat’s operator and causes the engine to shut down should the operator leave the helm for any reason. Another option is an engine cut-off device that can be used to protect everyone in the boat in the event that any of them should fall overboard. Each person on the boat wears a small device on their life jackets and, if any of them were to fall overboard, the device sends a wireless signal to shut off the engine. There are several wireless options available on the market including the MOB+ made by FELL Marine who is a recent winner of the Sea Tow Foundation’s National Boating Industry Safety Awards.

 

As of April 1, 2021, federal law mandates the use of engine cut-off switches on boats less than 26 feet long when on federally navigable waterways when the boat is moving. Law enforcement can issue a citation starting at $100 for non-compliance, so it is important to make sure you use your engine cut-off switch or purchase a wireless option to use every time you head out on the water.

 

Tags:  boating safety  engine cut off switch  FELL marine  national safe boating week  NSBW21 

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National Safe Boating Week Tip 1 - Carry an EPIRB or PLB

Posted By Gail Kulp, Saturday, May 22, 2021
Updated: Monday, October 23, 2023

National Safe Boating Week Tip #1 - Carry an EPIRB or PLB

 

One of the most important safety devices you can carry on your boat is a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). Both of these use National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) satellites that can alert rescuers to your exact location if an emergency takes place.

 

An EPIRB is registered to a boat while a PLB is registered to an individual, but both are registered through the NOAA Beacon Registration website. The advantages of an EPIRB is that they float, can be activated just by being immersed under water and are required to be able to broadcast a distress beacon for 48 hours vs. 24 hours for a PLB. While PLBs are smaller and are less expensive than an EPIRB, they must be held or attached to a lifejacket or belt and they can only be manually activated. PLBs are also used by hikers, back-country skiers, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

 

Having an EPIRB for your boat and a PLB to take with you when you’re a guest on another boat, gives you the ability to summon help in an emergency virtually everywhere you go. Our friends at ACR have some great PLB and EPIRB options available, so check them out and order yours today.

Tags:  Boating Safety  EPIRB  National Safe Boating Week  NSBW21  PLB 

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The Sea Tow Foundation Prepares to Celebrate National Safe Boating Week

Posted By Gail Kulp, Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Updated: Thursday, April 29, 2021

The Sea Tow Foundation Prepares to Celebrate National Safe Boating Week

National Safe Boating Week is a focused, week-long event that brings awareness to the importance of boating safety prior to the start of the summer boating season. This year, National Safe Boating Week will be celebrated from May 22-28.

Each day that week, the Sea Tow Foundation will post a new boating safety tip to their social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and a blog post will be shared right here at www.boatingsafety.com/blog.

 A complete Resource Kit is available to download containing all of the images, social media posts and blog posts and the custom images are available to download from Dropbox. A preview of the resource kit and the Sea Tow Foundation plans can be found in the video below.

The Sea Tow Foundation hopes our friends and partners will join us in sharing the boating safety message during National Safe Boating Week!


Tags:  Boating Safety  National Safe Boating Week  NSBW21 

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Top 5 Boating Safety Trends

Posted By Gail Kulp, Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Updated: Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Top 5 Boating Safety Trends

 

At the Sea Tow Foundation, our entire mission is to provide access to education, tools and resources in order to eliminate preventable recreational boating accidents and deaths. This year, we have compiled a list of the top 5 boating safety trends to pay special attention to as you take your vessel out on the water.

 

1) Wear Life Jackets

Every year, there are too many drownings that could have been prevented by the use of a life jacket. Not only is it required by law to have one life jacket per person on board the boat, but it can make a life or death difference during an emergency. It does not matter how strong a swimmer a person might be. Life jackets are the key to boating safety.

 

If you or one of your passengers does not have a life jacket for a day out on the boat, take a look at the Sea Tow Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Database to find a Life Jacket Loaner Station near you. Life Jacket Loaner Stands are placed in locations where boaters have easy access to borrow the life jackets such as boat ramps, marinas, and fuel docks. Boaters may borrow the jackets at no cost and are asked to return them when they are finished so that others may use the life jackets.

 

2) Designate a Sober Skipper

Boating under the influence is against the law in every state and territory. The operator of a boat must be alert and be able to pay attention to their surroundings. And with already having to deal with the wind, vibration, noise, and the sun, adding alcohol to the situation makes matters dangerous and deadly. By taking the Sober Skipper Pledge and designating a sober skipper before leaving the dock, you are promising to take care of your passengers and yourself, ensuring that everyone can have a safe and fun time on the water.

 

3) File a Float Plan

A float plan is a great way to provide an overview of your boating plans for the day. This can be as simple as a note or text to a friend staying back on land and it can help give the authorities a head start in looking for you, should a problem arise. A float plan should include a description of your boat, the number of passengers onboard, the starting point, the ultimate destination, and the general route planned. You also want to include contact information for the authorities and a timeframe, so that if you aren’t back at the designated time, you know that your friend will call for help. All of this is a good way to prepare and know that someone can find you in case of an emergency. The U.S. Coast Guard's free mobile app has a float plan that you can fill out and send to family and friends.

 

4) Know Local Boating Laws

Every state has its own laws for boating. Make sure that before you cast off, you know what is expected of you and your passengers. Are there certain places you can and cannot fish or certain times when fishing isn’t allowed? Do you have to wear a life jacket during certain cold weather months and what age is required to wear a life jacket at all times? Who is required to take a boating safety course and carry a certificate in this state? These are things you have to be certain of before heading out on the water so that you don’t get a citation. Check out our recent article on how to find out your state's boating laws by clicking here.

 

 

5) Build Your Safety Toolkit

Being safe out on the water is much easier when you have the right tools available for the right situation. By keeping an up-to-date safety toolkit, you can make sure that, if an emergency should arise, you and your passengers will be able to face it properly. A well-stocked toolkit should include emergency flares, a flashlight, a first aid kit, some non-perishable food, extra drinking water, rain and cold weather clothing, a bailing bucket, rope, a paddle, a whistle, and an emergency blanked. All of these items should be packed in a waterproof case that will float so that you can have access to everything no matter what happens. Reach out to our friends at the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and America’s Boating Club to schedule a free Vessel Safety Check before your next boating trip!

 

What do you see as a top boating safety trend in your local waterways? Share in the comments below.

If you found this article helpful or entertaining, please consider a donation to the Sea Tow Foundation today to help us continue our efforts to educate boaters and keep them safe on the water. You can donate securely online at www.boatingsafety.com/donatetoday or by clicking on the DONATE tab at the top of the page.


Tags:  boating laws  boating safety  bui  float plan  life jacket  life jacket loaner program  life jackets  sober skipper  toolkit  vessel safety check 

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Congratulations to the Winners of the 2020 National Boating Industry Safety Awards

Posted By Gail Kulp, Friday, December 11, 2020
Updated: Friday, December 4, 2020

Congratulations to the Winners of the 2020 National Boating Industry Safety Awards


The Sea Tow Foundation in cooperation with its North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council announced the winners of the National Boating Industry Safety Awards as part of the Marine Retailer’s Association of America’s virtual Dealer Week on December 10th.

 

The awards were established in 2019 to recognize top boating safety programs and campaigns within the for-profit segment of the recreational marine industry and they were sponsored this year by KICKER Marine Audio.

The Top Powerboat Manufacturer Award was presented to Sea Ray Boats. They successfully incorporated the COVID-19 pandemic into their safety messaging through multiple platforms including videos, photos, customer emails and social media posts.

The Top Marine Retailer with One to Three Locations was won by Bridge Marina, Inc. of Lake Hopatcong, NJ.  Bridge Marina, Inc. is a small company with limited resources, but they clearly put a lot of work into creating a multi-faceted safety program specific to the area and type of boat people are using.

The Top Marine Retailer with More Than Three Locations was awarded to MarineMax. They showcased a solid, proven plan for providing boating safety education and they were able to adapt their plan to the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 Pandemic with virtual classes.

The Top Marine Media Outlet Award was won by Rapid Media which focuses on the human-powered/paddling market. Their entry featured a mix of digital ads, pre-roll, video, e-blasts, newsletters and contests to promote their boating safety messaging to the paddling community.

The Top Marine Marketing and Outreach Award was presented to Freedom Boat Club who delivered clear, concise and consistent safety messaging and programming to a well-defined and highly targeted audience.

The Top Gear & Equipment Manufacturer Award had the highest scoring submission of all of the awards this year and it went to FELL Marine. They provided outstanding demonstrations on their website to educate customers on how to install and use a wireless man-overboard device.

For more information about the North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council and to see a video of the National Boating Industry Safety Awards presentation from Dealer Week, please visit www.boatingsafety.com/awards where a video of the awards presentation from Dealer Week will be available along with future highlights of each award winning company and campaign. Again, congratulations to all of the winners of the 2020 National Boating Industry Safety Awards!

Tags:  Boating Safety  Dealer Week  KICKER Marine Audio  national boating industry safety awards  North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council 

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Sea Tow Foundation Announces Official Call for Entry for National Boating Industry Safety Awards

Posted By Gail Kulp, Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Updated: Friday, August 28, 2020

PRESS RELEASE

Sea Tow Foundation Announces Official Call for Entry for National Boating Industry Safety Awards

North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council Expands Recognition Program; Announces New Title Sponsorship from KICKER® Marine Audio

 

Southold, NY, September 3, 2020 – The Sea Tow Foundation in cooperation with its North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council, announced the official call for entry for its “National Boating Industry Safety Awards.”

The 2020 contest features an enhanced series of categories which recognize top boating safety programs and campaigns within the for-profit segment of the recreational marine industry. This year’s event includes 11 categories of entry, up from four the previous year.

“Due to the positive response from our inaugural contest in 2019, coupled with recommendations from our advisory council, we have nearly tripled the categories of entry in hopes of recognizing the outstanding work of many more boating safety advocates throughout all segments of the recreational marine industry,” said Sea Tow Foundation Executive Director Gail R. Kulp.

The 2020 National Boating Industry Safety Awards include the following categories for submission: Powerboat Manufacturer; Sailboat Manufacturer; Engine Manufacturer; Gear/Equipment Manufacturer; Human Powered (Canoe, Kayak, SUP) Manufacturer; Marine Retailer with up to 3 Locations; Marine Retailer with more than 3 Locations; Marine Media Outlets; Marine Marketing and Outreach; Marine Distributor; and a Multi-Year Campaign will also be available for any category.

Also new for 2020 is the title sponsorship from KICKER® Marine Audio, based in Stillwater, OK.

“KICKER Marine Audio is very pleased to contribute to this important effort that promotes boating safety within the recreational marine space,” said KICKER Marine Audio’s National Brand Manager Jeremy Bale. “The good work of leading marine organizations in educating and advancing boating safety messages benefits the entire industry, as well as boaters throughout the nation. KICKER is very proud to lend our support to this worthwhile and very important cause.”

“We appreciate the generous financial support of KICKER Marine Audio in helping to support our national awards program,” added Kulp. “We hope to continually build this program and involve many in the industry who share our passion and focus on boating safety.”

Entries may be submitted from September 3 through midnight, October 15, 2020 for any boating safety campaigns conducted between August 15, 2019 and August 15, 2020. A new multi-year category is also available to recognize ongoing boating safety programs and promotions.

Contest information and applications are available for download at www.boatingsafety.com/awards along with information and samples from the 2019 winners.

Winners for the 2020 awards contest will be announced live during the MRAA’s Dealer Week scheduled for December 8 – 11, 2020 in Austin, TX.

“We highly encourage all those organizations throughout the marine industry involved in promoting boating safety to apply in this year’s awards competition,” said Kulp. “The Sea Tow Foundation and our North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council, coupled with the title sponsor KICKER Marine Audio, are very pleased to shine the spotlight on the best boating safety efforts by companies in the for-profit segment of the recreational marine industry.” 

Tags:  boating industry  boating safety  kicker marine audio  national boating industry safety awards  North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council  press release  sober skipper 

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Boating Safety Courses are Important

Posted By Gail Kulp, Friday, August 21, 2020

Boating Safety Courses are Important

Today is a great day to take a Boating Safety Course and get your boating license or boating certificate. The Sea Tow Foundation has included the following 5 reasons why any day is the right day to sign up for a boating safety course and become a safer boater:

  1. It’s the Law: Most states require a boat operator to take and complete a boating safety course before operating any boat with a motor. This includes personal watercraft, small fishing boats, pontoons, sailboats that utilize their engine, and various sizes of powerboats. And, you should also check the requirements for any other states where you might boat as their requirements might be different.

     

  2. Boating Safety Courses Save Lives: According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Office of Boating Safety,70% of the deaths that occurred on boats across the country last year were operated by a person who had not taken any boating safety course.

     

  3. You Can Save Money: Taking a boating safety course will often result in a discount on your boat’s insurance policy which can save you money.

     

  4. Learn Something New: Even the most experienced boaters can learn something new or be reminded about something they may have forgotten. Laws and regulations are constantly changing, so a boating safety class will ensure that you are up to date on all your state’s requirements.

     

  5. Help the Sea Tow Foundation at the Same Time: Completing an interactive, online class from our friends at iLearntoBoat.com results in the Sea Tow Foundation getting a donation from every course graduate to help us promote boating safety in more locations in the U.S.

 

If you have any other questions about how to get your boating license or boating certificate, check out our article here for many frequently asked questions about taking a boating safety course.

If you found this article helpful or entertaining, please consider a donation to the Sea Tow Foundation today to help us continue our efforts to educate boaters and keep them safe on the water. You can donate securely online at www.boatingsafety.com/donatetoday or by clicking on the DONATE tab at the top of the page.

Tags:  boating certificate  boating education  boating laws  boating license  boating safety  boating safety course  how to get your boating certificate  how to get your boating license 

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