National Public Relations Outreach Campaign

The Water Sports Foundation’s National Public Relations Outreach Campaign produced the largest online repository of boating safety content, using materials provided by the United States Coast Guard, the Water Sports Foundation, and other boating safety nonprofits, organizations and stakeholders. The purpose of the National Boating Safety Media Center was to create a comprehensive, one-stop resource featuring relevant boating safety content and statistical data, still and video images, and expert contacts available for media interviews.

The campaign created a curated database of national and regional media that cover boating and boating safety, including television, magazines, newspapers, radio, podcasts and social media. This database was developed and used during the project’s funding period in 2020 – 2021, resulting in 641 news stories and more than 1 billion potential media impressions. The database and media center continue to be a valuable resource for journalists and recreational boating safety advocates.

NSBC BoatBeat Blog: The Rules of the Road

The Navigation Rules are much like the rules of the road on the highway. They establish a consistent way to navigate safely and avoid collisions when two boats are crossing paths, are on course to meet head-on, or when one boat wishes to overtake another.

NSBC BoatBeat Blog: Carbon Monoxide

Exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) in large amounts or even small amounts for a long duration often results in death. CO is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas in the exhaust produced in gasoline engines.

NSBC BoatBeat Blog: Search and Rescue Process

If a boater is in distress, they should contact search and rescue assets via VHF-DSC marine band radio, or with an EPIRB or PLB. It is the boater’s responsibility to contact search and rescue assets.

NSBC BoatBeat Blog: EPIRB and PLB

An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, or EPIRB, is used to alert Search and Rescue forces in the event of an emergency.

NSBC BoatBeat Blog: Emergency Engine/Propulsion Cut-Off Devices FAQ

Emergency engine/propulsion cut-off devices, sometimes referred to as an engine cut-off switch or kill switch, are a time-proven safety device used to stop the boats engines should the driver unexpectedly fall overboard.

NSBC BoatBeat Blog: VHF Radio with Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

The VHF radio with DSC is the most common emergency marine communications device, and with good reason: It’s simple to operate, communications go both ways, and when a boater hits the panic button, the U.S. Coast Guard will automatically know who the boater is.

NSBC BoatBeat Blog: Boating Emergency Preparedness

A boating emergency can happen anytime, anywhere — and does not only refer to a problem with the vessel, but also to any dangerous situation involving a passenger.

NSBC BoatBeat Blog: Boating Preparedness Recommendations

At a minimum, a boater should make sure that safety and other related equipment are on their vessel and in good working condition before each outing.

U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division

The U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division (CG-BSX-2) is dedicated to reducing loss of life, injuries and property damage that occurs on U.S. Waterways by improving the knowledge, skill and abilities of recreational boaters.

Jim Emmons

Jim Emmons is executive director of the non-profit Water Sports Foundation (WSF) and is a long-term recreational boating safety activist and enthusiast. He is serving in his second term on the United States Coast Guard’s National Boating Safety Advisory Council and currently serves as chairman. He also serves on NASBLA’s Paddlesports Committee and the national Sober Skipper Advisory Council.

Brian Goodwin

As the Technical Director at the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), Mr. Goodwin is responsible for the managing the review and publication of over 70 standards. He also ensures the execution of numerous grants awarded to the ABYC Technical Department.

Jack Ellis

Jack Ellis is Managing Director of Info-Link, a Miami, FL-based firm he founded in 1995 to provide market intelligence to clients in the recreational boating industry.

Cindy McCaffery

As the Vice President of Program Development for Sea Tow Services International, Cindy’s responsibilities include coordination of Sea Tow’s training programs, boat shows and events. She and her team manage multiple Sea Tow programs for dealers, manufacturers, retailers and service providers.

Captain Joseph Frohnhoefer III

Captain Joe Frohnhoefer III virtually grew up on a boat. His experience ranges from being one of the first Sea Tow deckhands, to Sea Tow Captain after earning his first captain’s license at the age of 18, to currently holding a 1600 Ton Master, Chief Mate – All Oceans, All Seas license.

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.