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.

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

NauticEd Press Kit

NauticEd is recognized as the leading international and fastest-growing North American sailing and boating education company.

Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day

Hosted by the National Safe Boating Council, this annual event is a fun, educational way to heighten life jacket awareness.

Rental Boat Safety Programs and Contact Info

Summary: Rental Boat Safety is a National Boating Safety Program funded by the U.S. Coast Guard that promotes safe boating practices. This campaign targets non-traditional boaters that do not actively participate or engage in the boating lifestyle. The rental boat market is rapidly expanding. Rental Boat Safety partners directly with Rental Liveries, BLA’s and customers, […]

NBSC Safe Boating Campaign

The NBSC Safe Boating Campaign is a yearlong effort focused on spreading the message of boating safety and the importance of always wearing a life jacket each time a boater is on the water, no matter what the activity may be.