The Sea Tow Foundation’s inaugural online conference just wrapped up, and we are excited to share highlights from this incredible event. It was truly an amazing three days filled with education, networking, and community building, leaving us all feeling inspired and ready to take on the world of boating safety.

This groundbreaking conference was a testament to our collective efforts to make water safety more accessible for communities across the country and world – we were joined by individuals from 40 states and territories, plus a representative from the Kingdom of Tonga. Thanks to the generous sponsorships from Onyx, Garmin, and America's Boating Channel, along with funding from the Sport Fish Restoration & Boating Trust Fund, we were able to connect with a diverse group of participants who are eager to make a difference.

One of the most memorable parts of the conference was watching attendees learn from not only our speakers but also each other. Here’s a glimpse at the various topics and issues that attendees engaged in throughout the conference:

• Strategic Use of Social Media: Participants gained valuable insights into leveraging social media platforms to engage audiences and promote awareness about loaner stations.
  
  
• Networking and Community Building: The importance of networking within local communities emerged as a recurring theme. Attendees recognized the critical role that collaboration and team building play in getting permission to set up loaner stations, getting support from the elected officials for boating safety, and expanding the reach of life jacket loaner stations.
  
  
• Effective PR and Advertising: We discussed strategies for effective public relations and advertising, and attendees left with actionable tactics to promote their own life jacket loaner stations.
  
  
• Data-Driven Approaches: Conference speakers emphasized using real data and evidence-based practices to improve resource effectiveness.
  
  
• Innovative Solutions: Attendees learned about innovative approaches to prevent the loss of life jackets, including inventory labeling and community-driven initiatives.
  
  
• Importance of Shared Messaging: With nationally-focused presentations from the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety, the Life Jacket Association and speakers talking about the U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan and the NASBLA K-12 PFD Standards, attendees had a chance to understand how their grassroots-focused loaner stations fit into the national picture. This highlighted the importance of everyone working together to share the same message: life jacket loaner stations save lives.

We loved seeing the attendees’ express enthusiasm for specific programs and initiatives introduced during sessions. Participants were eager to learn more about the value of partnerships and collaboration in enhancing life jacket loaner stations and learning effective strategies for engaging potential partners. Attendees were also intrigued by educational opportunities, gaining fresh ideas for community involvement with children in grades K-12 as well as adult volunteers and the manufacturers of life jackets. Many participants eagerly embraced new promotional strategies, including innovative campaigns like the "Caught Wearing a Jacket" initiative.

We were overwhelmed with positive feedback and responses from attendees. Here’s a look at what they had to say:

• "I gained insights about where to find drowning data for my area and am taking away many great PR tips for promoting our loaner stations.”
  
  
• "I learned about the empirical data that goes into how resources are used so they are more effective."
  
  
• "I appreciate that there is a whole network of water safety organizations that work together to support the important task of preventing fatalities and saving lives.”