Author: WaterSportsFoundation

Kristin Frohnhoefer

Kristen Frohnhoefer is president of Sea Tow International and is responsible for overseeing all internal operations, including the company’s membership and sales programs, marketing, communications, the Customer Care Center and technology efforts.

Gail R. Kulp

Gail R. Kulp is the Executive Director of national, non-profit organization, Sea Tow Foundation, headquartered in Southold, NY. With over 16 years of non-profit experience, 13 of which are within the boating industry, Gail is well-versed in all things boating safety.

Chris Edmonston

Chris Edmonston is a lifelong boater who brings more than 30 years of experience in the marine industry, with 20+ years specializing in boating safety issues and concerns. Besides his role of president of the BoatU.S. Foundation, he also serves as vice president of government affairs for BoatU.S.

Robin Pope, Ph.D., PA-C, FAWM

Robin Pope has more than three decades experience in boating education. He is an instructor, trainer and educator for the American Canoe Association in whitewater, kayaking and swiftwater rescue. He’s served in numerous ACA leadership roles, including chair of its Safety Education and Instruction Council and, currently, chair of ACA’s Board.

Dean Aucoin II

LT. Dean Aucoin II is a Boating Education Coordinator with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division, a post he has held since August 2005. He serves as Boating Education Coordinator for Louisiana and instructs on multiple platforms and courses, including teaching new trainees in the enforcement division academy.

Doug Leavell

Doug Leavell is Recreational Boating Safety Specialist, Coast Guard District 11 in Alameda, CA, a post he began in January 2020. A 30-year veteran of the United States Coast Guard, he retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 in 2019.

John Malatak

John Malatak is currently the past rear commander of America’s Boating Club and is a recognized expert on boating safety. He previously served as Chief, Program Operations for the Department of Homeland Security/United States Coast Guard, Boating Safety Division, Washington, DC.

Ethan J. Coble

Ethan Coble is USN Retired and Merchant Mariner Credential as2nd Mate Unlimited. He has enjoyed an extensive, 20-year career with the US Navy in senior enlisted leadership overseeing navigation, shipping, operations, force protection and project management.

Paul Barnard

Paul Barnard is the Recreational Boating Safety Program Manager of US Coast Guard District 8, based in New Orleans, LA. He has 34 years of Coast Guard experience serving as Rescue Boat Coxswain, Federal Law Enforcement Officer, SAR Coordinator, Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Program Manager, and Recreational Boating Safety Program Manager.

Safe Boating Campaign “Wear It” logo

The National Boating Safety Council encourages partners to create their own resources with a Safe Boating Campaign partner logo in accordance with our brand guidelines. You must be registered as a partner to request a partner logo. Request a Safe Boating Campaign Partner Logo. Please refer to the Brand Guidelines for appropriate logo use and […]

Cold-Water Boating

Cold-water immersion is the cause of many boating-related fatalities. The danger increases as water temperature decreases below normal body temperature (98.6o F).

Choosing the Right Life Jacket

No matter what the activity or style chosen, the most important thing is this: Remember to be responsible and always wear your life jacket while boating.

National Boating Industry Safety Awards Announced

The Sea Tow Foundation and its North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council announced winners of the National Boating Industry Safety Awards which recognize the best boating safety work in the for-profit section of the recreational boating industry.

Inflatable Life Jacket Factsheet and FAQs

Inflatable life jackets rely on CO2 cylinders that provide buoyancy when inflated vs. inherently buoyant life jackets that use foam or other buoyant materials to stay afloat.

New Life Jacket Labels Explained

You may see a new label on the inside of new life jackets with a performance level icon. This fact sheet explains what the new information means and how it affects existing life jackets.

Life Jacket Facts

Most boaters know they’re required to have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket on board for every person on their boat. Boating safety advocates recommend that all boaters and passengers not only have a life jacket, but wear it at all times while boating.

Boating Safety Tips

A great list of 13 boating safety tips from the National Boating Safety Council.

Recreational Boating Safety Facts from the NSBC

All figures are from the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2019 Recreational Boating Safety Statistics, the latest official record of reported recreational boating accidents