SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2014 | VOL. 29 NO. 5 National Association of State Boating Law Administrators

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President Herb Angell DEPARTMENTS Vice President Eleanor Mariani 14 Stephanie Weatherington Treasurer 1 FROM THE HELM Members-at-Large Mark Brown Tom Guess Darren Rider 2 NASBLA NEWS Past President Toby Velazquez 6 NEW BLAS Executive Editor John Johnson, CAE Editors-at-Large Tom Hayward Ron Sarver, CAE 14 INSTRUCTORS’ CORNER Managing Editor Kimberly Jenkins 28 BOATING BRIEFS Copy Editors Joseph McCullough Fred Messmann Creative Director Grisell Botana 33 PARTNER PERSPECTIVES Angstrom Graphics Circulation Director Sam Lynch 34 BOAT FORCES FILES Editorial Offices 1648 McGrathiana Parkway, Suite 360 36 COAST GUARD COMMENTS Lexington, KY 40511 Phone: 859.225.9487 Fax: 859.231.6403 E-mail: [email protected] FEATURES 11 About the Cover 8 Saying goodbye to a legend Edwin Lyngar, Nevada’s Boating Education A look back at George Coordinator, was selected as the 2014 National Boating Educator of the Year by the National  6WHZDUW·VMRXUQH\ Association of State Boating Law Administrators. During his 11 years with the Nevada Department Much ado about standards of Wildlife, Lyngar has proven himself to be an 12 outspoken leader in the realm of boating safety  $FORVHUORRNDWWKHQDWLRQDO and a tireless champion of education.  HGXFDWLRQVWDQGDUGV NDOW photo

©Small Craft Advisory (ISSM: 1066-2382) 18 Educators applauded Published bimonthly by the National Association  1$6%/$UHFRJQL]HV  of State Boating Law Administrators, 1648 McGrathiana Parkway, Suite 360  H[WUDRUGLQDU\ERDWLQJ Lexington, KY 40511 (six issues).  VDIHW\HGXFDWRUV Contact NASBLA for permission to reprint articles at 859.225.9487 and [email protected]. 26 Life jacket: The essential tool Send change of address to:  $Q$ODEDPDRIÀFHU·VWKRXJKWV Small Craft Advisory 1648 McGrathiana Parkway, Suite 360  RQWKHLPSRUWDQFH Lexington, KY 40511  RIOLIHMDFNHWV From the HELM

n this issue of Small Craft Advisory, NASBLA and the boating safety Icommunity say farewell to our dear, departed friend and longtime champion Herb Angell NASBLA President of the National Recreational Boating Saying Safety (RBS) Program, Commander George Stewart. Perhaps no one in the history of NASBLA has been recognized with more goodbye awards and honors, as has George Stewart. Beginning his boating safety career as to an era Delaware’s first boating law administrator in 1975, by the time George came to John Johnson, CAE NASBLA CEO manage the state’s boating program he had already completed a highly successful career in the U.S. Navy. There, he ascended from the ranks of an enlisted sailor to For nearly three decades, Small Craft with links to SCA arriving in your ultimately achieve the distinction of Advisory has been showing up in your inbox instead of your mailbox. Sure, commanding not only a naval ship at sea, local mailbox as a means of keeping the it won’t be as easy to proudly display but also a U.S. Naval military installation. states and the recreational boating safety the latest edition of the magazine on community informed about critical issues your coffee table or credenza, but it Before leaving his career in boating safety in boating safety and the key role the will absolutely be even easier to share to become an accomplished artist at the states play in support of the National an electronic copy with your friends tender age of 80, George became NASBLA’s RBS Program. This issue marks the last and colleagues. first director of government affairs and printed edition of Small Craft Advisory then went on to serve as the association’s and the end of another era for NASBLA Although SCA has already been executive director from 1995 to 2005. and the state boating programs. available in a digital format for George was a man of great integrity who the last eight years, we’re just inspired others with his loyalty, his Given the recent 20 percent reduction now recognizing and assessing the commitment and his demurring leadership, in NASBLA’s core U.S. Coast Guard potential advantages of the digital- and who respected and appreciated the partnering grant, together with the rising only distribution. We’re still not sure partnership between the states, NASBLA cost of delivering the magazine through where that will take us but we are and the Coast Guard above all others. traditional production and distribution confident the magazine will only get methods, the association will no longer better as we proceed. It seems certain George was passionate about boating safety be able to provide a printed version that we will be able to provide even and he shared his passion for helping others of Small Craft Advisory (SCA). Despite more well-targeted content moving with a whole new generation of leaders by the disappointment this change in forward as we explore ways to link to constantly reminding us of the reason we distribution methods (and funding levels) relevant information and point you to are all here. Through stories of tragic loss symbolizes, you will continue to receive insightful resources throughout our and the sad consequences of circumstances the same award-winning content, analysis extended community. on the water gone wrong, George continued and storytelling that SCA has come to to remember and personalize the victims represent over the last 29 years. We hope you will join with NASBLA of boating accidents long after their stories to help us make Small Craft Advisory had faded in the public’s eye – because he It has been said that change is inevitable an even more valuable news source never forgot the “why” behind his mission but progress is optional. At NASBLA, we on issues and ideas important to and purpose. The kind of leadership and are committed to the idea that progress is you. We also hope you will help us integrity George embodied will always be not optional, and that as we see this highly spread the word about the change in great demand because the quantity is in successful national injury prevention in SCA distribution, as we work to such short supply. program evolve, so too will our association convert thousands of mail-address- evolve to meet the changing needs of only recipients to an electronic George will be missed, but his legacy of our members and the broader boating distribution network. integrity, duty and honor will linger community they serve. on. With the passing of George, an Sign up today at nasbla.org/subscribe important era in the history of NASBLA Henceforth, Small Craft Advisory will come to start automatically receiving SCA draws to a close. to you courtesy of the digital realm via email links. F

September-October 2014 NASBLA.ORG 1 NASBLA NEWS

SCA goes digital AvidAvid boater,boater, former BLA SAFE Boats

After 29 years, this will be the willwill be missedmissed International becomes last printed version of Small Craft Advisory. Due to severe budget cuts Mission Partner this year in the 5% Nonprofit Grant, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, we will no longer be printing and NASBLA is excited to announce a mailing copies of the publication. Mission Partner sponsorship agreement with SAFE Boats International. SAFE We will still produce the magazine Boats International is a leading supplier on a bimonthly basis – it will be of high-performance aluminum boats available online at the NASBLA to military, federal, state and local website. We also plan to introduce an law enforcement and fire & rescue e-publication of the magazine that agencies throughout North America and you can conveniently read on your worldwide. The three-year agreement tablets or smartphones. was signed on July 28, 2014.

To ensure that you continue to receive WeWe are sasaddenedddened to report tthathat formerformer notification of new issues, please visit AlabamaAlabama Boating Law Administrator nasbla.org/subscribe. MajorMajor B.R. “Bob” Huffaker, 71, passed awayaway on Sunday,Sunday, August 17, 2014.

BobBob Huffaker retired after 41 yearsyears with thethe Alabama Marine Police Department. HeHe was an active member of NASBLA duringduring his tenure. He served on the EnforcementEnforcement & Training Committee, andand he was instrumental in bringing the NASBLANASBLA conference to Mobile, Alabama, inin 2012. He also served on the board Mission Partner is NASBLA’s highest ofof the Southern States Boating Law level of sponsorship. This agreement SCAsmall craft advisory AdministratorsAdministrators Association. unifies the interconnected missions of

2 NASBLA.ORG September-October 2014 | Small Craft Advisory both organizations to enhance the safety announce the availability of the and security of our nation’s waterways revised standard: NASBLA-103-2015: NASBLA staffer by strengthening the abilities and Basic Boating Knowledge — Power. enhancing the knowledge and skills The standard, a revision of the 2012 achieves CAE credential of every maritime law enforcement standard now in use across the U.S., is officer and emergency responder. available for free download.

“We are very proud to call SAFE The standard will be submitted to the Boats International our Mission American National Standards Institute Partner,” says NASBLA Deputy for public review and comment in Executive Director John Fetterman. the near future. The recommended “Their dedication and commitment to implementation date for the revised providing first responders with the standard is January 2015 for course equipment they need to do their job – development or revision. reducing the number of deaths, injuries and property damage associated with NASBLA Education Director Pam Dillon recreational boating and ensure a was recognized at the annual American safe, secure and enjoyable boating Society of Association Executives environment – makes them a perfect conference in August for having partner for NASBLA and directly earned her Certified Association supports our association’s mission. Executive credential.

The Certified Association Executive designation is designed to elevate NASBLA announces professional standards, enhance individual Access the revised standard at http:// performance, and identify association revised Boating tinyurl.com/NASBLA-103-2015. professionals who demonstrate the Questions regarding the knowledge essential to the practice of Education Standard Education Standards Panel and association management. Founded in NASBLA-103-2015: Basic Boating 1960, the CAE program stands as a mark of Knowledge – Power should be directed excellence and has evolved to reflect what The National Boating Education to Pamela Dillon, NASBLA Education it takes to manage an association in today’s Standards Panel is pleased to Director, at [email protected]. challenging climate.

NASBLA editor garners three awards

Small Craft Advisory, NASBLA’s official publication, and its editor, Kimberly Jenkins, have been recognized with three awards from the Kentucky Association of Government Communicators (KAGC). The bimonthly Small Craft Advisory received an Honorable Mention in the magazine/ publication category.

(Continued on page 4)

September-October 2014 NASBLA.ORG 3 The judges deemed it to have a “nice range hosted its fourth Leadership Reports indicate of topics covered” with a design that is Academy. This weeklong event “consistent and reader-friendly.” provides new boating law another successful administrators and those in leadership Jenkins earned an Award of Merit positions within their member Operation Dry (second place) in feature writing agency, with a broad understanding for her article “Words of Wisdom” of the diverse recreational boating Water weekend (March-April 2013). This article was community while also offering an a Q&A with the recently retired Kim opportunity to interact with others Elverum, who carries the distinction who are new to their position or role. Reports are still coming in, but numbers of NASBLA’s longest-serving boating show another successful year for the law administrator. Given Elverum’s Operation Dry Water campaign and reputation as a walking encyclopedia in THIS YEAR’S its partners nationwide. Here are the matters concerning recreational boating results as of August 20 (with 71% of safety, the article was written to share PARTICIPANTS INCLUDED: agencies reporting): some of his wisdom. Drew Aydelotte, Delaware Jenkins also received an Honorable Mention in news writing for her article Zachary Campbell, Kentucky “Clever Consultant Secures Training” (November-December 2013). The AnnMarie Cruz, Guam article describes how former boating law administrator Felix Hensley Ramona Fernandez, California secured grant funding to bring a series of critical on-water training to Randolph Henry, Oregon local and state first responders to 11 agencies in Kentucky and Indiana. Aaron Kerr, Wyoming Robert Legates, Delaware State RBS leaders Mike Miller, Ohio gather in Lexington for Marlowe Sonksen, Maine leadership training Tammy Terry, Ohio These numbers will increase as the remaining agencies report their results. In July, the National Association of Kenton Turner, Indiana State Boating Law Administrators If your agency or unit participated Ryan Walt, Pennsylvania in Operation Dry Water and has not reported results from weekend patrols (June 27-29), please submit your report as soon as possible through the form located on the Operation Dry Water website, operationdrywater.org. The data provided by participating law enforcement agencies from Operation Dry Water patrols is invaluable in developing future ODW campaigns, as well as in supporting state and local boating safety programs and policies across the country. F

4 NASBLA.ORG September-October 2014 | Small Craft Advisory Advance your skills in accident investigation

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Ramona Fernandez California Tim Baumgarten Calling Sacramento home, Ramona Arizona Fernandez is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys camping, fishing, boating, Originally from Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, Although retired, he maintained his law swimming, and hiking. Following recent Tim Baumgarten served for 32 years as enforcement commission and took on state administrative changes in leadership an officer for the Arizona Game & Fish a more active role with Wheelchair and roles, she became California’s boating law Department before retiring in 2013. An Ambulatory Sports USA, promoting administrator on June 16, 2014. As chief avid boater (he enjoys kayaking and shooting sports and archery for junior of Boating Operations, the majority of canoeing, waterskiing, and fishing), he is athletes and injured Veterans returning her programs include recreational boating dedicated to recreational boating safety. from the Middle East. safety, enforcement and training.

As a result of the experience and expertise Despite being busy with these roles Ramona is involved with several he gained in boating under the influence for a little over a year, Tim says he organizations, including the California detection throughout his career, in 2004 “jumped at the opportunity to again Boating Safety Officers Association Tim was asked by NASBLA CEO John become part of Arizona’s boating (CBSOA), California Yacht Brokers Johnson to become part of a NASBLA team safety efforts as the state’s boating Association (CBYA), California Association to train basic boating under the influence law administrator. Following Kevin of Harbor Masters and Port Captains, to officers on a national level and assist Bergersen’s lead, I hope to further Colorado River Law Enforcement with the development of a validated Arizona’s legacy of safe waterways for Association (CRLEA), the Delta Protection battery of seated field sobriety tests for public enjoyment,” he added. Advisory Committee, and the Western use by watercraft officers. States Boating Administrators Association. As Arizona’s BLA, Tim plans to improve In addition, Tim’s agency safety on the waters through education. Ramona has been settling in to her new developed a position that included role and learning more about “many of compartmentalized watercraft training “As one of the handful of states our great programs that keep California’s and boating under the influence left that does not require boater waterways clean and safe, in addition to interdiction. “Serving in this capacity education, coupled with the boating educating the public on the importance at our Phoenix Headquarters for incident data that indicates more being safe on the water.” She says she looks the last five years as the Watercraft than 75 percent of all Arizona boating forward to new challenges and making Enforcement Program Manager, I incidents include navigation rule improvements in boating safety, and continued to provide BUI and seated violations as a factor, Arizona can building stronger relationships with state, battery training through NASBLA’s no longer avoid moving toward federal and local agencies to continue to BOAT Program,” said Tim. mandatory boater education,” said Tim. make a difference for California. 

6 NASBLA.ORG September-October 2014 | Small Craft Advisory duties as boating law administrator for Louisiana.

To continue working toward improving recreational boating safety, Sammy says his agency’s efforts “will continue to remain focused on bringing down the number of boating incidents through strategic and effective Driving Robert “Bob” Legates While Impaired enforcement, boating Delaware education, increased law enforcement patrols and outreach.” Hailing from Millsboro, Delaware, Chief Bob Legates is an avid recreational Sammy added, “We have accomplished boater. He owns a sailboat and spends a great deal in the area of officer as much time as possible on the water training through our partnership with with his wife and family. NASBLA and the Boat Operations and Training Program. I will continue to Bob took over as chief of the Delaware support this effort and work to expand Department of Natural Resources & Samuel “Sammy” Martin this training throughout the state.” Environmental Control’s Division of Louisiana Fish & Wildlife Enforcement in February He said the biggest challenge he sees 2014 and assumed the position of boating in recreational boating safety is the law administrator. He began his career Hailing from Chauvin, Louisiana emergence of “hybrid water devices” with Fish & Wildlife in 1981. Coming up – a small bayou community located being utilized upon waterways in his through the ranks, he has held almost approximately 50 miles southwest state and throughout the country. He every rank from trainee to chief. Prior of New Orleans – Sammy Martin has feels these devices should fall under to becoming chief he was the Regional participated in recreational boating recreational boating safety regulations Enforcement Officer in charge of the his whole life. He owns a 19’ bass boat and will become more and more of a southern half of the state. that lets him take advantage of the focus in the future. F excellent freshwater fishing along In addition to his affiliation with the Intracoastal Waterway and in the NASBLA, Bob is a member of the North Atchafalaya Basin. He has competed East Conservation Law Enforcement in numerous local and national bass Chiefs Association and International tournaments for over 30 years. He Association of Chiefs of Police. also owns a 24’ bay boat that he and his family use to enjoy the fantastic “I see the biggest pressing need in boating saltwater fishery offered by the Louisiana safety today is educating the boating Gulf Coast. public,” said Legates. “The biggest need for us is also manpower. The budgets are Sammy began his law enforcement getting smaller and hiring is more difficult career with the Louisiana Department than ever while the need for officers is at of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement its highest level ever.” Division on November 3, 1982, as an agent. He worked his way through the To improve boating safety within department’s ranks, being promoted Delaware, Bob added, “We are striving to on August 11, 2014, to his current step up our alcohol enforcement, this is an rank as lieutenant colonel. With his area that always needs improvement.” latest promotion he took over the

September-October 2014 NASBLA.ORG 7 Saying goodbye toa George W. Stewart Jr. 1925 – 2014

lways the consummate gentleman.” AThat has been a recurring phrase as people remember George Stewart Jr. legend Stewart, former government affairs By Kimberly Jenkins director and then executive director of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), had quite an illustrious He commanded USS Towhee AGS-28 • Victory Medal (WW II) journey in the realm of boating safety. beginning in June 1967, and in July • China Service Medal 1969, he assumed command of the Navy • American Campaign Medal Born March 21, 1925, in Laurens Oceanographic Research Facility in • Navy Occupation Medal County, South Carolina, George Lewes, Delaware. • National Defense Medal Stewart enlisted in the U.S. Navy as • Korean Service Medal a seaman recruit in November 1942. Commander Stewart was torpedoed • Vietnam Service Medal Making the Navy his first career, while serving on ABSD-#2 in the • United Nations Service Medal he served 30 years in which time he Admiralty Islands in World War II, • Korean Presidential Unit Citation moved through the enlisted ranks to he was part of the occupational forces • The Republic of Vietnam Chief Quartermaster, then Warrant in Japan following the war, and he • Campaign Medal Officer and Chief Warrant Officer. He participated in the first atom bomb test was selected for the officer rank of at Bikini Atoll after the war. His ship Commander Stewart retired from Lieutenant Junior Grade in January participated in many of the amphibious the Navy on December 31, 1972, and 1951 and was promoted to Commander landings in the Korean War and surveyed became Delaware’s first boating law on February 1, 1971. the west coast of Vietnam while serving as administrator on January 1, 1973. the Commanding Officer of USS Towhee In that capacity, he planned and Commander Stewart saw a variety AGS-28 during the Vietnam Conflict. directed the State Boating Program. of shipboard assignments, including He supervised the Marine Police, Advanced Based Sectional Dry-dock, Commander Stewart was awarded Boat Registrations and the Boat USS Barton DD-722, USS Iowa BB-61, USS the following service medals Safety Education Program. Later in Springfield CL-66, USS Titania AKA-13, and decorations: his tenure of office, the State Game USS Intrepid CVA-11, USS Salisbury Wardens and the Hunter Safety Sound AV-13, USS San Pablo AGS-30, • Navy Commendation Medal (2) Program were consolidated into one Staff Commander Carrier Division Six • Meritorious Unit Commendation section along with the Marine Police. and USS Towhee AGS-28. He served in • Good Conduct Medal (3 stars) Stewart was then made manager of the both the Atlantic and the Pacific. • Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal newly formed Enforcement Section.

(Continued on page 10) 8 NASBLA.ORG September-October 2014 | Small Craft Advisory NSBC Executive Director Virgil Chambers inducts George Stewart into the Boating Safety Hall of Fame in 2003. Stewart addresses colleagues, family and friends at his retirement party in May 2005.

George Stewart and South Carolina BLA Alvin Taylor meet with NTSB Chairman Ellen Engleman Conners in 2003 to discuss boating safety.

In 2004 NASBLA President Randy Edwards lays a wreath at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. Accompanying Edwards are (l-r) Al Simon, past president of the National Boating Federation; NASBLA Executive Director George Stewart; and NLEOMF George Stewart takes Chairman Craig Floyd. a moment to pose with the 1999 NASBLA Executive Board.

September-October 2014 NASBLA.ORG 9 During his tenure as Delaware’s BLA, sidelines and knew who the ‘players’ Not content with three careers in he served on the National Boating were. Without him giving guidance to his lifetime, Stewart took up the Safety Advisory Council and as us new board members as well as the paintbrush with his best friend Ella president of North East State Boating seasoned veterans we would not have Robinson after his work with NASBLA, Administrators Conference (two terms) prevailed. My biggest fear in 2003 producing many beautiful watercolor and president of the National Association was that George would retire before paintings. Prints of several of his works of State Boating Law Administrators. I became NASBLA President and I grace the walls of the George Stewart would not be able to succeed. In 2004 Room at NASBLA Headquarters. Stewart retired from state service in May George was my backbone and I as well 1987. At that time, he was presented the as NASBLA and the nation’s boaters “In December of 2010, George asked “Order of the First State Award” by the will be forever indebted. George was me to come by his residence in Dover Honorable Mike Castle, Governor of my HERO, thanks for the nickel’s to pick up a few gifts for me, John Delaware. This is the highest award worth,” added Messmann. Johnson and [his assistant] Vicki that can be bestowed on an individual Rhodes. George met me at the door, by the Governor of Delaware. Stewart helped shape the federal-state insisting on giving me a tour of his partnership to enhance recreational house,” said James Graybeal, Past Following his retirement from state boating safety (RBS) and law enforcement NASBLA President (2010). service, Mr. Stewart was employed efforts. His accomplishments as NASBLA’s by the National Association of State flag-bearer on Capitol Hill and his constant “As I walked through the front door, Boating Law Administrators in 1987 vigilance on behalf of RBS funding I noticed his art gallery in the formal as director of government affairs. In have won him recognition, respect and sitting room with portraits painted 1995 he was elevated to the position appreciation throughout the boating by George with pictures and of NASBLA Executive Director. community. commendations awarded to him in Stewart received numerous esteemed his younger days during his military “I remember when I was NASBLA awards from NASBLA over the years, career. His office walls were President, George would call me every including the Bonner Award, the filled with awards and pictures of Monday morning with his ‘Nickel’s Worth’ NASBLA Award, the Legislative Award George accepting those awards and of updates (as he liked to call it), and and Lifetime Achievement Award. He commendations from members of he’d fill me in on various phone calls and also received the prestigious August A. Congress, boating organizations, inquiries he had received and anything Busch Jr. Michelob Schooner Award, the states and the U.S. Coast Guard over he had heard about reauthorization (of Western States Boating Administrators the years. I could see his entire life the Highway Bill – since we were working “Hollister” Award and the National Water before me in those pictures, awards on that at that time). His input, advice Safety Congress Regional Award. In 2003, and commendations recognizing past and counsel were always appreciated,” Stewart was inducted into the National members of NASBLA and former said Randy R. Edwards, who served as Safe Boating Council’s Boating Safety Hall presidents standing in front of the U.S. NASBLA President (2005). of Fame. After a long, illustrious career in Capital Building with George.” boating safety, he retired from NASBLA in “George was always the consummate June 2005. After the tour, George gave gentleman, a true statesman. He had me three paintings he had just been around a long time – and knew At the time of Stewart’s retirement completed as Christmas presents. just about everyone in the boating and from NASBLA, John Johnson, CAE, the He congratulated me on my most recent legislative arena. While being a very current CEO and Executive Director of election as the NASBLA President and humble man, he was always eager to NASBLA, said, “I’ve had the pleasure said, ‘Even though Delaware is such share stories and experiences from his of serving with George Stewart for the a small state, we sure made a huge days in the U.S. Navy,” Edwards added last 15 years, during which time he has impact nationally for boating safety been both a valued mentor and trusted and education.’ “ “In the late 1990s as a member of the friend. His integrity, loyalty and steadfast executive board, I attended many commitment to NASBLA and recreational As proven by his rich and full life, meetings related to reauthorization of the boating safety is George’s philosophy was always, Wallop-Breaux Trust Fund. Between simply unmatched.” “Success is a journey, not a destination.” Jeanne Timmons [senior analyst with the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Stewart was widowed in 2001 With heartfelt admiration, Randy Safety] and George, I learned all the following 53 years of marriage to the Edwards sums it up so eloquently: nuances and complexities plus intense former Charlene J. Crouse. She was a “George left a valuable legacy to negotiations with unwilling interests,” constant companion with George at the NASBLA organization – and to said Fred Messmann, deputy director of NASBLA annual conferences and was everyone who came to know him. the National Safe Boating Council. his executive assistant at his NASBLA We all owe him a significant debt of office in their home in Dover, gratitude for all of his meaningful “George was the consummate Delaware. Together they have four contributions to boating safety and gentleman who advised from the children: two sons and two daughters. the NASBLA organization.” F

10 NASBLA.ORG September-October 2014 | Small Craft Advisory Stewart Gallery

Soon after moving into their new offices in Lexington, Kentucky, NASBLA staff began working on a gallery of George’s paintings and awards in the office suite’s newly named George W. Stewart Jr. Conference Room.

“We’ve taken some art prints that George Stewart, our former executive director, created in his fourth career – after his retirement from NASBLA — and made a gallery,” said NASBLA CEO John Johnson. “Those of us who’ve known George thought it was a simple gesture to recognize a great man and his many years of service to NASBLA, first as Delaware’s BLA and then as a government affairs/executive director employee (32 years total).”

September-October 2014 NASBLA.ORG 11 By Pamela Dillon, CAE NASBLA Education Director Much Ado

“To get something you’ve never had, you must do something you have never done.” About Standards… nd so it began. With the thought in my head that “an expert in Aanything was once a beginner” and with the overall goal of improving For Very the current system of boater education, I began my personal ‘deep dive’ into the world of standards. As NASBLA’s education director, one of Good Reason! my responsibilities is to transition the current NASBLA Education Standard into that of a voluntary, consensus-based standard with ultimate recognition as an American National Standard (ANS) by the methods of evaluating whether products, varied widely with limited recognition American National Standards Institute processes, systems, services and personnel between state programs. (ANSI). I have learned quite a bit since comply with a standard. This evaluation is beginning this quest in 2011. While I do known as conformity assessment. Since approval in 1999, hundreds of not consider myself an expert, I have course providers have used the national gained a good deal of insight resulting boating education standard as a basis for in a heightened level of respect for the course development, update, and revision. path we are traveling. I believe in and Why do Using these standards, designers can be enthusiastically support this process as standards matter? confident that they are designing products an important path to lead the nation’s that embody recognized practices and boating program forward. I also believe Standards in the United States and content and, thus, in the tricky world that ANSI’s accreditation of NASBLA as a globally have a long history of success of program liability, have a nationally standards developing organization (SDO), for programs, projects, product devel- recognized standard to fall back upon if effective Sept. 19, 2014, will provide opment, and the consumer. There is needed. Today, over 100 course providers additional tools and opportunities to clear evidence that standards enhance are listed on the NASBLA course database, elevate state programs, unify community market access and development for busi- and perhaps hundreds more have boating program efforts, and strengthen ness in thousands of business sectors. referenced or relied on the published the work of state, nonprofit, public, and Standards are such an integral part of standard, and subsequent updates, to federal partners in targeted, meaningful our existence that most of us give little develop and implement local and regional and efficient ways. or no thought to how they work. But programs of instruction. (Note: See imagine our frustration if light bulbs sidebar regarding the NASBLA-103-2015: So from my personal and somewhat didn’t fit into lamps or plugs didn’t fit Basic Boating Knowledge – Power.) unique position within the community, I into outlets. There was a time when hope to provide you a snapshot of where trains couldn’t move from one state we are, where we are headed, and why it to another because the tracks were a Where are we now? matters. First some terminology… different gauge. Approximately 400 individual course According to ANSI, a standard is “a One needs only to recall the boating offerings are posted as “NASBLA- recognized unit of comparison by education marketplace throughout the approved” on the web database (Visit which the correctness of others can be 1980s and 1990s, PRIOR TO approval www.nasbla.org> education> NASBLA- determined.” Another definition is “a of the 1999 national boating education approved boating safety course database). set of characteristics or qualities that standard by the NASBLA membership. NASBLA-approved, indicating successful describes features of a product, process, At that time, with only two or three completion of the conformity assessment or service.” The term standardization commercial course providers in process, is completed in partnership with actually encompasses a broad range the marketplace, course offerings state programs to verify state-specific of activities and ideas – from the to boaters were limited and often information included with standardized actual development of a standard subject to a wide range of personal national content. The national boating to its promulgation, acceptance and interpretation of the boating education education standard is considered a implementation. It also includes the guidelines. As a result, course content ‘prescriptive standard,’ and, with other

12 NASBLA.ORG September-October 2014 | Small Craft Advisory conformity assessment requirements, our standards development will be by reference’ into numerous federal is written for use by course providers transparent, inclusive, and done right. regulations! While this may sound like to “meet the needs of recreational ANSI’s recognition will confirm that. ‘utopia,’ it is actually the preferred method boaters for basic boating knowledge in We are practicing what we preach. of advancing federal regulation as defined order to identify and reduce primary in the National Technology Transfer and risk factors and mitigate their effects Advancement Act (NTTAA). on recreational boating.” Using the standard to guide content, the course Where are we headed? The NTTAA directs federal agencies with provider creates a unique curriculum respect to their use of and participation for instructor-led, technology-driven, The answer is best summarized by this in the development of voluntary or published curricula designed to statement, approved by the NASBLA consensus standards with the overall capture a share of the marketplace. Executive Board and submitted to ANSI objective for federal agencies to as part of NASBLA’s Standards Developer adopt voluntary consensus standards, In 2013, over 500,0001 students Organization application: “NASBLA’s wherever possible, in lieu of creating completed a course, earning a certificate standards development scope of activity proprietary, non-consensus standards. from a NASBLA-approved course. With covers knowledge and competencies for the This act, and the essential requirements 49 of the 56 U.S. states, territories, and recreational boater and boating professionals defined within ANSI, provides new District of Columbia mandating some working within or on behalf of the recreational pathways and open new doors to level of operator education, and with boating community in North America.” address stalled projects or tangled nearly 25 percent2 of the U.S. population regulations. It provides new options falling within an age requiring As reflected in this statement, NASBLA’s for our future work. Remember, to get completion of a boating course prior standards development work focuses something you’ve never had, you must to operation, a common set of course on two distinct population segments: do something you have never done. content standards is vital and practical. the recreational boater and the marine law enforcement/emergency responder Time will tell of the overall impact of You may ask then, with the measurable community that ensures a safe and this pursuit. But we must thank the impact the standard has had to date, why secure maritime domain. Through its NASBLA membership, Executive Board, the need for NASBLA to pursue establishment of independent consensus Education Standards Panel Members, ANSI accreditation as a standards bodies such as the National Boating BOAT Advisory Board, staff, and others developer organization? The answer is Education Standards Panel (ESP) and for their hard work, leadership, and encompassed within NASBLA’s pursuit of the Boat Operation And Training visionary support. NASBLA has never continuous program improvement. (BOAT) Advisory Panel, NASBLA will been afraid of trailblazing and I am On behalf of our members and the national continue to seek national agreement and feeling much less like a beginner. boating program, we strive to rigorously consistency in boating education and implement best practices (including due training program content and course As my colleagues say, Onward process, openness, balance, consensus, and delivery for the nation’s boaters and for and Forward! F other recognized essential requirements) the emergency responders, instructors, for voluntary standards development. law enforcement officers, or other boating professionals working within or on behalf ANSI, a national nonprofit 501(c)3 of the recreational boating community and NASBLA announces revised organization, is the recognized leader the maritime domain in which they enjoy boating education standard in the U.S. for standards work. Its legitimate use. mission reads: “To enhance both the global The National Boating Education Standards competitiveness of U.S. business and the U.S. With recognition as an Accredited Panel is pleased to announce the availability quality of life by promoting and facilitating Standards Developer (ASD), NASBLA of the revised standard: NASBLA-103-2015: Basic Boating Knowledge - Power. The voluntary consensus standards and conformity moves into a realm of new possibilities. standard, a revision of the 2012 standard assessment systems, and safeguarding their Imagine working in partnership with the now in use across the U.S., is available integrity.” For ANSI to accredit NASBLA, USCG and other boating safety partners for free download at www.nasbla.org . ANSI must conduct its own conformity to create voluntary standards addressing The standard will be submitted to the assessment of our standards developing specific training and management American National Standards Institute processes. By complying with ANSI processes. Imagine being able to work with for public review and comment in Essential Requirements and processes, the community to produce voluntary the near future. Pending the outcome our members and partners have assurance consensus standards to be ‘incorporated of that review, the recommended implementation date for the revised standard is January 2015 for course 1 Source: USCG Boating Safety Division – Mr. Wayne Stacey from 2013 State Performance development or revision. Reports Part II and Coast Guard Auxiliary course records. Questions regarding the Education 2 Source: USCG Boating Safety Division – Harry Hogan, PowerPoint slide “Estimate of the Standards Panel and NASBLA-103-2015: Percentage of People that Required Motorboat Operator Education in 2012.” Estimates are based Basic Boating Knowledge – Power should RQVWDWHV·ERDWLQJUHJXODWLRQVDQG86&HQVXVGDWDE\VWDWH%RDWLQJSRSXODWLRQZDV be directed to NASBLA Education Director considered residents 10-79 years of age. Youths that were prohibited from operation of certain Pamela Dillon at [email protected]. vessels were included in the required education category.

September-October 2014 NASBLA.ORG 13 Instructors’ Corner Expert tips for instructors

Ed Huntsman Boating Safety Program Manager USCG District 8

that class or conducted the course to have Safety Summit devoted to identifying best Virgil Chambers made the experience better, more effective practices – the techniques for teaching Boating & Water and enjoyable? What method or technique in a classroom or on the water to deliver Safety Consultant could the instructor have used to teach boating safety education – that always that new officer or employee to ensure seem to work for us. To add a bit more that they understood the concepts and value to the presentation, we asked rom our earliest days as students requirements to successfully complete those in the audience their advice as to in elementary school to last week’s the task in that last course? Was it the what techniques and practices they find Ftraining class, certain teachers and equipment or materials that weren’t effective when conducting their courses. instructors stand out in our memory. appropriate or didn’t work? What are the best techniques, where did A few are simply effective, competent we get them, how do we employ them, and and inspiring instructors, and we look What is it that seems to make some how can other instructors use and their forward to the next class with them instructors stand out and make us look classes benefit from them? instructing. They make learning fun, so forward to their course or presentation, we enjoy the class and find ourselves able while presentations by others make us Beyond the techniques that we always to apply newfound knowledge in our consider calling in sick, going out of seem to employ as standard in our course daily life, or at least in our immediate town or being otherwise unavailable? presentations, what’s working for others academic career. They often share many that we may not be aware of, and how can of the traits we think of when comparing What are the specific elements that seem we adapt those effective techniques to help the instructors and teachers that really to make the difference in how effectively improve our own performance, teaching make a difference for us. Among these we, as individual students, learn and as methods and help our students learn? qualities are dedication, approachability, instructors, teach? What other aspects of knowledge, creativity, enthusiasm, high the learning process affect our ability to The bottom line is that teaching – energy – the list goes on. learn, and better yet, use and incorporate transferring a usable and applicable that which we’ve just learned into our amount of knowledge – really hasn’t For those instructors that could improve jobs? In short, how can we become better changed all that much over the years. their teaching techniques, how do they instructors? It’s a short answer – start It’s important to note here, however, differ from those we consider exemplary? using best practices! that the delivery methods have Is it their demeanor, voice or style, changed significantly. personality, subject matter or topic, other Best Practices for instructors resources or venue that forged your We recently delivered a presentation Gone are the days of overhead foils opinion? How could they have taught at the International Boating and Water and pure lecture in warm, dimly lit

14 NASBLA.ORG September-October 2014 | Small Craft Advisory that simply didn’t exist even a few student walking the instructor through years ago. One such tool that serves and then having the student finally as a gateway to best practices being demonstrating the task on their own, or utilized is the RBS In-Network website, utilizing other techniques, the instructor boatinginstructornetwork.com. This must know the subject, and especially website offers a variety of tools, lesson the task, inside and out, up and down plans, courses and other items for to be truly effective. The instructor boating safety education instructors that possesses a thorough knowledge to review or use. It’s also a repository and understanding of the topic being for instructors to share presentations, presented can now share the vital ideas or techniques they’ve found to be insights and finer nuance of everything effective in the classroom. from arrest techniques to docking a boat to high-speed pursuits. In a classroom setting, instructors agree it’s a good idea to get students out of their A few last points to round out what we’ve chairs and moving around. Everything found to be our Instructor Best Practices from practicing navigation rules with . . . and that includes qualifications, one another to timing how long it takes credentials, and continual training. An to find a life jacket that’s the proper size instructor should never teach a course and putting it on correctly. Offering the for which he or she isn’t truly qualified to opportunity to participate in hands-on instruct. Sure, we’ve all said that we can activities such as examining safety or teach anything with a good lesson plan, emergency gear, checking expiration but a lesson plan doesn’t always cover dates, and practicing how to operate that level of fine distinction and detail lights, EPIRBS or other equipment are that may come up in the classroom or all good ways to keep students awake, out on the water with student questions focused and interested. or a changing environment or situation. Students also tend to process knowledge As an instructor out on the water with and skills in many diverse ways. An classrooms with hard, uncomfortable students in boats, don’t be a helm-hog; instructor that isn’t prepared or able to chairs. Despite the evolution to instruct! It’s always a good idea for an modify a teaching technique, explain an bright, electronically enhanced instructor to demonstrate the task or answer or demonstrate a procedure or task classrooms offering air-conditioned maneuver for students so they get an in a varied way for another perspective comfort as we sit in far more idea of what acceptable performance will soon lose his or her effectiveness. comfortable seating, it’s important to looks like, but put the students at employ the right tool, or technique, to the helm and coach them through to Ongoing training and professional transfer that knowledge or skill if our successful completion. No one wants to credentialing is a must for a successful students are going to walk away from spend the day watching the instructor instructor. Best practices dictate continual the interaction all the better for it. perform the task – that’s a quick refresher training in the instructor’s way to lose students to boredom and area of expertise, and professional Assuming we have the best available frustration. And, the only knowledge credentialing should always be pursued. venue for the course or presentation that will pass or transfer in that With the advent of online Internet-based being offered, folks agree on two situation is which instructor to avoid. courses, instructor training, updates basic elements for a good instructor: and certifications are often available knowledge and enthusiasm. Know the Successful instructors all share many within our own organization, sister topic – be a subject matter expert, if common elements in the methods they organizations, non-profits, NASBLA, the you will! And keep the class lively. use to deliver their course. Whether International Boating and Water Safety employing a progressive teaching model Summit, Coast Guard and others, so there’s When it comes to course delivery, of demonstrating the task, walking the little excuse for an instructor not to have instructors have a variety of resources student through, followed by having the at least one or more certifications in an area of expertise at least close to the subject matter of the courses he or she teaches.

One last set of tips from our list of Best Practices: Don’t hesitate to employ someone’s best techniques but do not teach someone else’s way, always check the venue beforehand, keep a course outline just in case, tailor the course to the students being taught, and – most importantly – have fun. F

September-October 2014 NASBLA.ORG 15 And the Boatsey goes to…

Edwin Lyngar, Nevada. The 2014 Boating Safety Educator of the Year!

Edwin’s creative and aggressive campaign for implementing a mandatory boating education law in Nevada ushered in a new era embraced by Nevada boaters. Now that’s leading the way!

Celebrating Leaders in Every State The Boatsey provides an opportunity to honor the boating professionals and volunteers whose leadership in education has improved boating safety across the country.

This year, seventeen boating educators were nominated, each with a compelling story and initiatives that are making a difference. We want to say congratulations and thank you to each and every one. And congratulations to the regional finalists!

Amy Dingle, Ohio – Amy’s commitment to reaching paddlers of all types, ages and abilities has made her a force for improving paddle safety education in Ohio.

Tim Spice, Texas – Tim’s powerful boating safety video “Never Happens” is now shown to 225,000 teens every year in the state’s Driver’s Education classes.

NOMINATE YOUR CHOICE FOR 2015’s EDUCATOR

Boatsey nominations will re-open in February 2015. If you know OF THE YEAR someone who deserves recognition, please consider submitting a BY VISITING nomination at www.BOATERexam.com/award OUR SITE TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

Contact Kerry Moher - 1-877-722-8838 ext. 222 [email protected] 2014 National Boating Educator of the Year requirement annually, and that number Arizona, Lyngar has stepped in to take will continue to grow. even more of a lead role in an effort to keep the initiative Lyngar’s commitment to boating safety moving forward. extends beyond the state boundaries of Nevada. He has served on the NASBLA At NDOW, Lyngar is the driving Education Committee for eight years force behind the Division of Law and is currently on the Marketing & Enforcement Annual Report, the Outreach Subcommittee. He is also document that keeps agency Director an inaugural member of the Boating Tony Wasley, Law Enforcement Chief Professional Certification Commission. Robert Buonamici and the public informed about the division’s boating Lyngar’s ongoing efforts were safety efforts as well as wildlife law Edwin Lyngar recognized at the 2011 Western enforcement activities. Not only does Nevada States Boating Administrators Lyngar serve as editor, but he also serves Association Conference, where he was as writer, photographer and layout artist. o have a successful boating presented with the Boating Safety His talents stretch much farther than his education program you need a Professional Award. boating safety roots. Tstrong leader, not someone who simply provides lip service or sits as a An example of Ed’s forward thinking is Edwin Lyngar truly is a boating safety silent, warm body in a chair. You need when he teamed up with the Las Vegas champion whose tireless efforts are someone who leads the way by rolling up 51s, a minor league baseball franchise, to dedicated to making Nevada’s waterways his sleeves and giving his all every day promote boating safety and the summer – along with those of surrounding states to make your state’s waterways a safe boating program at Lake Mead. This – a safer place to be. place to boat. A successful program needs effort has resulted in increased media a person who is willing to try new ideas coverage and provided the avenue for to reinforce the boating safety message extensive radio promotions and other Regional Boating to stakeholders. It requires a leader who publicity benefits. Attendees as well is creative, flexible and tenacious to as television viewers can easily see the be able to break from the traditional Nevada Wear It logo that is strategically Educators ways of promoting boating safety and placed in center field. In addition, take daring steps into the future by Lyngar and other NDOW personnel of the Year embracing new ways of broadcasting attended games and brought the the boating safety message. agency’s Wear It truck and boat.

Edwin Lyngar, the Nevada Boating Lyngar also played an instrumental Education Coordinator, encompasses all role in the growth and longevity of of these things in his role as an outspoken the Tri-State Boating Safety Initiative leader in the realm of boating safety and a that promotes boating safety along tireless champion of education. the Lower Colorado River. Initially started in 2003 with co-creator During his 11 years of service, Lyngar Gloria Sandoval, this event has has presided over the evolution of grown from a three-day event into Nevada’s Boating Education Program a summer-long program that treats from a program of brochures and the Colorado River System as a single promotional items to one that now boating entity and involves California, Northern Region includes mandatory boating education. Arizona and Nevada. Edwin views Amy Dingle Just 200 students completed the the Tri-State initiative as a holistic Ohio boating education requirement during approach that promotes boating safety the program’s first year. Today more exclusive of state lines and geography. aving worked for Five Rivers than 1,100 students complete the With vacancies in the boating safety MetroParks since 2007, Amy state’s mandatory boating education programs of both California and HDingle provides exposure to

Generously sponsored by BoaterExam.com, the Boating Educator of the Year award program was launched by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in to recognize those who go above to engage students and boaters, raise awareness, and make boating education initiatives relevant, thorough and exciting.

18 NASBLA.ORG September-October 2014 | Small Craft Advisory paddlesports in numerous ways to the served local retail partnerships by be a success for the water safety and public, clubs, and parks and recreation allowing people to try various brands driver’s education communities. professionals in the Dayton, Ohio area. they carried to help them make a more informative decision in purchasing Encountering resistance at every In 2005, the outdoor recreation program paddle equipment. turn, Spice was able to navigate the began for Five Rivers MetroParks as treacherous waters and come to an outdoor-focused pilot program Dingle was recently asked to serve a meaningful resolution with the concentrating in paddlesports, fly- as the committee chair for the Ohio- education community. He achieved fishing, backpacking and cycling. Penn Division for the ACA and plans this by inviting their input while The first of what is now five Ohio to take the commitment to help serve recognizing their desires to keep a Department of Natural Resources the paddling community. She works concise message in order to avoid a (ODNR) Division of Watercraft diligently to organize local instructors burdensome product. His efforts truly Boating Education grants allowed to stay up to date in their skills and to represented his ability to resolve the program to begin offering quality work in partnership in offering as many strife and bring a positive resolution paddlesport skills classes in a strategic skill development opportunities as to the greater community. skill progression for kayaking. As possible. Dingle volunteers for the local these programs developed for all ages Dayton/Cincinnati chapter with the The second issue Spice had to address and abilities, the public requested Sierra Club and teaches rescue courses, was the unfunded mandate created higher level skills programs. level 1 and 2 instructional courses for by this bill. Through his extensive canoeing, kayaking and SUP. network of partners, he worked Dingle continued to write grants in swiftly and decisively to rally the 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2014 that have water safety community to back this allowed recreation staff members important initiative and to provide to receive their American Canoe the necessary funding mechanism Association (ACA) certifications to make the project a reality. Spice for kayaking and SUP for teaching successfully raised all necessary paddlesports and allowed Amy to funds from several nonprofit water become a certified Instructor Trainer. safety organizations. By June 2013, These certifications have facilitated all participants were gathered at Lake program expansion to include ACA Ray Hubbard for a two-day video instructional courses for the public, shoot in which teens and adults told local universities, and ODNR grant their stories of tragedy and loss and recipients from around the state. These the importance of water safety. certification courses have elevated the Five Rivers MetroParks recreation Southern Region Spice wanted the message to be global programs and since 2010, 114 have been Tim Spice in nature, and the title of the project certified in kayaking and canoeing for Texas “Never Happens” hit home in a true flatwater and river environments. sense for the teens who repeatedly uring the 82nd Legislative stated that “I never thought this The program has teamed up with The Session in 2011, House Bill 673 would happen to me” while telling Adaptive Adventure Sports Coalition D required the Texas Parks and their stories. Spice’s foresight and (TASSC) to work with participants Wildlife Department to produce a passion for this project was evident in with physical and mental disabilities. video on water safety targeting high the final product. In August of 2013, Seeing much success, this program has school students. This bill required he received notification from NASBLA expanded its chapter to create an official that the video be placed into the that the video product received the Dayton chapter and plans to expand Texas Drivers Education Curriculum “Seal of Safe Boating,” which denotes programming with various adaptive to be seen by all who take the course. its adherence to the highest standards outdoor clubs and the VA hospital to The bill became effective June 17, of boating safety information. create a wounded warriors program. 2011, but was unfunded at the time of its passing. Spice’s leadership in the water safety Since 2011, Five Rivers MetroParks community is unprecedented. His paddling program has taught 2,065 The driver’s education community influence, community spirit, and participants and exposed 3,265 people expressed a growing concern ability to bring everyone together for to paddlesports with classes and events. that their courses would become a common purpose ... to make boating In 2013 alone, there were over 32 skill overloaded with the addition of the safer and to save lives is what make development programs (canoe, kayak, water safety materials, which they Spice an invaluable educator and SUP) taught for youth and adults (829 considered to be outside the scope innovator in the realm of boating safety. total people exceeding its goal of 300 of their courses’ intent. However, participants by 176%) and created a with Tim Spice, the Texas Parks and strategic progression that begins with Wildlife Boater Education Manager, at Editor’s Note: View the Texas Parks & Wildlife a “try paddlesports” program allowing the helm the department leaders were water safety video “Never Happens” at youtu. participants to try all crafts. This also confident that the outcome would be/-qZJXEPh6PA.

September-October 2014 NASBLA.ORG 19 Northern Region

Sergeant Mark Brighenti Audrey Johnson Massachusetts New Hampshire

Sgt. Mark Brighenti has done much to Audrey Johnson has worked for the New further the mission of the boating Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol safety program in the state of for the past 11 years. She has shown a Massachusetts. Sgt. Brighenti has continuous commitment to meeting worked the coast and inland and the needs of the boating public both has been a part of the boating safety through her past position as patrol bureau during his career. officer and more recently as one of the agency’s most productive boating His style of teaching is very well education instructors. received as he uses wit, humor and a lot of life experiences as both a As a boating education instructor, civilian boater and an environmental Johnson strives to provide the police sergeant to raise awareness basics of safe boating while on the of safety. He brings a level of waterways of New Hampshire. Last professionalism to the course through year she eagerly taught 21 classes that State his knowledge, experience and resulted in 447 successful students relevancy to the course curriculum. statewide, demonstrating her talents in the exceptional execution of her Sgt. Brighenti teaches a lot of job. On occasion, Johnson provided Boating courses and assists other officers her time after class to assist special with their courses. He represents the needs students by reading the state Massachusetts Environmental Police exam aloud. (MEP) extremely well at the courses. He also works with local police Johnson is often requested by fellow Educators departments and other state agencies law enforcement agencies and fire in performing critical outreach. He departments to provide instruction was involved in teaching 15 courses tailored for their specific needs. These with 422 student completions in 2013 agencies regularly commend her delivery alone. This comprises one-quarter of of the material. In addition, she provides of the the total MEP student completions vessel safety inspections and hands-on for the 2013 boating year. This is truly training in the use of their equipment. a real commitment to boater safety education on his part. Last year, Johnson created a personalized DVD that provides students with information on topics including zebra mussels, aquatic nuisance plants, and boat Year ramp courtesy. Although very important, some of these topics are not covered with sufficient detail during the eight-hour classroom course.

20 NASBLA.ORG September-October 2014 | Small Craft Advisory Southern Region

Katherine Redmond Daniel “Dan” A. Thomas New York Florida

Katherine Redmond has been a certified Dan Thomas’s life has been about New York Safe Boating Instructor service. A retired lieutenant colonel of since 2001. During this time, she – with Massachusetts National Guard, he spent assistance from her husband, Ron – has almost 26 years of his military service as taught 156 classes to 4,148 students. a Medevac helicopter pilot. In addition to Teaching in a seven-county area in his military service, he worked as a teacher the lower Hudson Valley of New York and administrator in the education field. State, Redmond plays a critical role in meeting the high demand for boater After retiring more than 10 years ago, education in that area. Thomas took up boating safety education with the U.S. Power Squadrons and Redmond is the consummate instructor. has served as the Squadron Education Poised, entertaining and able to handle Officer for the last four years, leading the a classroom full of students, regardless educational efforts of 450 members. of their ages, she describes herself as devoted to boating and teaching people Thomas has a passion for teaching. He is an to become safer and more effective educator in the classroom, on the docks, on boaters. She truly loves teaching. the water, and pretty much everywhere else he goes. He is always trying to make One of her particular interests is the waters safer for everyone. teaching women the fundamentals of boat handling. She has even created a Thomas helped start the Youth Sailing short seminar and demonstration for Foundation of Indian River, where he now women in the skills of emergency boat serves as an assistant leader. The group operation and communications should began with two sailboats and now has 30 the primary operator of their vessel boats available for use by the students. become incapacitated. Approximately 40 students a year, ranging in age from eight to 17 and representing A passionate, knowledgeable, and all parts of the community, receive experienced boater, Redmond has 31 instruction through this program. years of boating experience first as a sailor The training, which takes place over and then aboard a Tollycraft Cruiser. several months, is provided, free of She and her husband have navigated charge to all and teaches students how to the Intracoastal Waterway five times, build and sail boats. prompting her to write two unique navigation guides supplementing the information found on navigation charts – Chartracker to the Intracoastal Waterway from Norfolk to Jacksonville and Chartracker Navigation Guide to the Florida Keys. (Continued on page 22)

September-October 2014 NASBLA.ORG 21 Pat McMenamin Officer Carl McCoy Dr. Frank d’Alessandro Georgia Tennessee Virginia

As a professional educator, Pat Officer Carl McCoy is a deputy with the Dr. Frank d’Alessandro is a Virginia McMenamin’s love and enthusiasm Sumner County Sheriff’s Department Boating Educator and also serves as for teaching is evident in her work and works as a School Resource Officer Staff Officer for Public Education and as a Recreational Boating Safety (SRO) for Hendersonville High School. He Vice Flotilla Commander in the U.S. instructor for the U.S. Coast Guard has also been a part-time boating officer Coast Guard Auxiliary. His efforts, Auxiliary. Although McMenamin has for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources attention to detail and professionalism been an Auxiliarist for only five years, Agency since 2013. are to be commended. she has made a definite impact in the boating community. Leading the way, In 2005 a graduate from Hendersonville D’Alessandro has supervised a smooth she increased the number of public High School was tragically killed transition to the Virginia Department education hours in her flotilla from in a boating accident on nearby of Game & Inland Fisheries’ Boating 25 to 195 and from 21 to 412 graduates, Old Hickory Lake. To help prevent Safety Education Classroom Course respectively, during 2013. further tragedies, McCoy took the online registration and record keeping lead in incorporating the Tennessee system. He has ensured the registration Showing keen insight to meet the boating safety class in the 9th process is easy so it will not discourage requirements of Georgia’s new boating grade mandatory wellness classes. potential students. laws, she took the initiative to expand Following McCoy’s lead, all Sumner boating and water safety education County SROs stepped up to teach Under d’Alessandro’s guidance, the state classes into the local school system. boating safety in the schools where certified instructors in his flotilla taught Targeting the “under 17” age group, they worked. In 2007, the Sumner 228 students in 10 classes with a 100% pass 366 students completed classes in 2013 County School Board voted to rate last year – this in a central Virginia compared to six the previous year. mandate boating education as part of location with no navigable water. This included 185 seventh graders all wellness classes in all of the eight who completed the About Boating Sumner County high schools. Of particular note was Dr. d’Alessandro’s Safely course. leadership during the fall 2013 As elected officials moved on, this government shutdown. A full class was Developing age appropriate strategies, mandate fizzled out – except at scheduled, however, those in the Coast teaching aids and utilizing a hands-on Hendersonville High School. McCoy Guard Auxiliary were prohibited from approach, she has enabled students continues teaching the course twice a year teaching as Auxiliarists and the venue was to grasp a full understanding of the and has consistently certified an average impacted and not available. D’Alessandro concepts presented. Because of the of 200 students annually in addition to would not see this class cancelled. After success of this program, it became a exposing another 100 or so non-certified much effort, he secured an alternate free part of the enrichment curriculum at students each year to boater education site and had the instructors switch to her middle school and will be offered information. He has been instrumental DGIF livery and teach the course. to all seventh graders during the 2013- in gaining support once again with the 2014 school year. school system as well as the Sheriff’s For his performance this year Frank department to implement boating safety was recognized as the “Assistant classes in the other high schools. Instructor of the Year” by his Coast Guard Auxiliary Division.

22 NASBLA.ORG September-October 2014 | Small Craft Advisory Western Region

Wes Dodd California

Thousands of boating safety officers, park rangers, game wardens and California recreational boaters owe their boating safety, marine patrol en- forcement and accident investigation J Leo Smith education to Wes Dodd. Arizona Since 1976, Contra Costa Deputy Sheriff “J” Leo Smith has been an active Arizona (Ret.) Dodd combined education with Game and Fish Volunteer Boating his marine patrol “beat” over hundreds Education Instructor for the past 11 years of miles of the Sacramento-San Joaquin in Lake Havasu City. J saw firsthand Delta region and as he cruised along- the need for boater education when he side recreational boaters. He always began boating on the Colorado River and took the time to educate boaters about throughout the Lake Havasu area. safe boating practices and observing In 2000, Dodd was recruited as a the law. It was also as a deputy sheriff consultant for a NASBLA task force For the past few years, J has been invaluable that he began his work in the field of and was instrumental in rewriting an to the Boating Program in Lake Havasu City, boating accident investigations. intermediate course on boat accident teaching an average of four to five boating investigation and a 36-hour course on safety classes per year. Along with teaching Dodd holds an associate’s degree in boat accident reconstruction. These classes, he also volunteers his time to promote criminal justice and a bachelor’s de- courses are taught nationwide. safe boating in Arizona by assisting the gree in public administration. He has Boating Education program in outreach completed over 1,900 course hours Outside of the classroom, Dodd makes events promoting safe boating and life jacket in marine accident investigation and himself available at all times to his exchanges. J also donates his time volunteering other marine-related subjects. In students, both before and after class, at his church as well as the prison ministries. 1993, he began teaching Basic Boating and by giving out his personal con- Safety and Enforcement and Accident tact information should anyone have J is a pleasure to work with and really Investigation and Reconstruction to questions or need help with a case has a passion for all that he does. California’s marine patrol officers on or situation. Considering he is not Respected by all of his students, and behalf of the California Department of compensated for anything except his as a valued resource because of his Boating and Waterways. Wes contin- actual classroom lecture time, his work knowledge, strengths, and commitment ues to prepare course materials, train ethic is commendable and it is obvious to boating safety, J is a huge asset for new instructors and patrol officers, he truly loves being an educator. the state and to his community. This and to keep up his own education on commitment, customer service, and changing boating laws in order to en- extra effort have given J a well-deserved sure his instruction serves its purpose: reputation as a preeminent and effective to educate boating safety officers, and volunteer instructor for the Arizona in turn make California’s waterways Game and Fish Department. safer for recreational boaters. (Continued on page 24)

September-October 2014 | Small Craft Advisory NASBLA.ORG 23 can tell a “war story,” but it takes a with local businesses and organizations special teacher to make a suitable lesson to collect life jackets for children. out of one. In a survey conducted Furthermore Safe Kids is working with of boating safety students in 2013, a local community center to develop a Badger received the highest possible program within their membership for a rating in every category presented to water safety program. the respondents, a feat that no other instructor accomplished. Over the past several years Deputy Bjelland has coordinated all of the county’s outreach programs, which include the Spokane Boat Show, Kootenai County Fair and the North Idaho Outdoor Expo. He takes it upon himself to keep up to date on boating laws and current boating safety issues. He has conducted numerous media interviews promoting the use of life jackets and warning about the dangers of cold water and operating while intoxicated. Mike Badger Colorado Deputy Bjelland is a true asset to not only the Kootenai County Sheriff’s In 1998, while Mike Badger was attending Office but also the Idaho Department a Colorado Boating Safety course with of Parks and Recreation state boating his daughter, he was recruited to be an program and the boating community. instructor in Colorado Springs. Since then, he has been one of the best and most active instructors in the program. He is highly motivated, reliable, self- Bob Bjelland sustaining and knowledgeable, and his Idaho enthusiasm is such that his students can’t help but catch. Badger is an avid boater. He grew up Bob Bjelland has been with the Kootenai boating with his father & grandfather County Sheriff’s Office as a seasonal in Texas, where he completed a six- Marine Deputy since April of 2006. He week U.S. Power Squadrons boating is an instrumental part of the sheriff’s safety course. Since then he has taken office boat education program. Without his powerboat across the country, his willingness, dedication and expertise, navigating coastal waters to inland lakes the county boat safety program would and reservoirs to rivers, making him not be as successful. well rounded in any environment. During his time at the Sheriff’s Office Bader’s main interest in boating has Deputy Bjelland has become the lead always been family. To him, it’s an instructor for the Boat Idaho safety activity that brings families together as class. The sheriff’s office hosts 12 Boat they enjoy the outdoors. Whether it’s Idaho classes annually, with an average G.L. Hamilton a U.S. Power Squadrons Rendezvous or of 120 students per year. Deputy Bjelland Montana just boats rafted together at his home also puts on private classes to local lake, his mission is to do everything businesses. Deputy Bjelland is also one A seasonal ex officio officer in Region he can to keep this time for family and of the instructors for the North Idaho One, G.L. “Ham” Hamilton works very friends as safe as possible. Marine Law Enforcement Academy and hard to increase awareness of water safety passes on his working knowledge to new to the people of the Flathead. Few match It’s exactly that experience and passion seasonal marine deputies. his drive and enthusiasm for the job. that makes Mike Badger one of the strongest and best instructors in the In addition to these duties, he serves as Each spring Hamilton coordinates program. His ability to draw upon Vice President/Water Safety Chair for water safety education classes with area situations that he’s been through both Safe Kids, a local group that focuses on teachers just in time for spring runoff professionally as a paramedic and safety for children. Deputy Bjelland has and kids heading out for the summer personally as a boater and to mold those been instrumental in expanding this to enjoy the Flathead’s hundreds of experiences into a lesson for 14- and program to include water safety for navigable waters. In 2013, he instructed 15-year-olds is second to none. Anyone children. As a result, Safe Kids is working 51 water safety/hypothermia classes

24 NASBLA.ORG September-October 2014 | Small Craft Advisory in the Kalispell area. His classes were attended by 184 adults and 2,204 students ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade. Hamilton also conducted water safety talks on the Flathead Indian Reservation as part of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes River Honoring and Lake Honoring Events. In addition, he distributed water safety information to hundreds of people attending a major sport show as well as an RV & Boat show in Kalispell.

As the water watch coordinator, Hamilton has built a network of people throughout the region who are versed in water safety regulations to be eyes and ears for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. These Each year, Shearer trains and educates volunteers educate people on water safety sailboaters as well as members of regulations and when necessary act as local yacht, rowing and canoe clubs Donnel Kidder witnesses to provide information for law on the history, dangers and boating Washington enforcement to follow up on later. safety on the Great Salt Lake. Much of this is done on his own time. He also Donnel Kidder is a dedicated U.S. Hamilton continues his education provides boating safety training and Coast Guard Auxiliary boating safety efforts while on patrol as an ex-officio seminars for the commercial boaters of instructor with over 20 years of game warden. In 2013 he contacted 1968 the multimillion dollar brine shrimp experience. He is a leader in training vessels on his region’s waters. He issued harvest industry. for both classroom and on-the-water 149 citations, 17 written warnings and skill development courses. Kidder’s 446 verbal warnings for various water Shearer addressed property damage issues consistent and innovative contributions safety violations. He also gave out 137 caused by wind by providing training have worked to make boaters safer in free ice cream certificates to reward and awareness on how to properly secure Washington State as well as grow the children for wearing their life jackets. vessels in their slips. Following this sport through his relentless efforts training, there was a 90 percent reduction volunteering with youth. Through Hamilton’s educational efforts, of property damage claims. he has made the waterways in his region In the word of his peers, “Donnel is a a safer place for all to enjoy. To increase safety on the water, Shearer classroom teacher, on the water coach, provides localized weather information and a life mentor that we are truly to boaters heading out on the Great Salt blessed to have with us.” Lake. He uses a variety of communication means, including a website, email, social Currently Kidder serves as the media and marine band radio. He also Public Education and Member developed a program to loan locating Training Officer for the U.S. Coast devices to boaters heading out on the lake Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 85. In this as a safety measure. role he provides training for other recreational boater safety instructors As a National Safe Boating Council and consistently teaches two to three instructor, Shearer actively instructs boater safety classes per month. He Utah State Parks, United States Coast also provides Water Safety & Safe Guard Auxiliary, local county sheriff’s Boating briefings to special interest offices, and private individuals in groups year-round. Close-Quarters Boat Control. He also developed a specific crew member Kidder spends countless hours training for volunteer crew members volunteering with local area youth David H. Shearer staffing his boat. This evolved into Utah teaching boater and water safety. He Utah State Parks Boat Crew Member training serves as the flotilla’s liaison with the and certification. local Navy Sea Cadet Battalion teaching David H. Shearer, Harbor Master at the cadets (ages 11-18) Adventures in Great Salt Lake State Marina, consistently With all that Shearer has done in boating Boating, Navigation, and Seamanship exhibits outstanding leadership and safety and outreach on the Great Salt as well as volunteers in elementary tireless efforts in promoting boating safety Lake, the amount of emergency callouts schools, churches and youth groups through education on the Great Salt Lake. have decreased by 75 percent. teaching boater and water safety. F

September-October 2014 NASBLA.ORG 25 Life Jacket: The Essential Survival Tool

By Officer Lee T. Maddox Jr. Alabama Marine Police

n July 4, 2006, at approximately 4:15 p.m., I received a call from Odispatch in reference to a possible drowning on the Alabama River. When I arrived at the scene, Dallas County Volunteer Fire and Rescue personnel briefed me on the situation.

A five-year-old boy had been playing in the water near the dock. Several adults had been observing the boy throughout the day. At some point, the boy got out of the water, took off his life jacket, and proceeded to go into the house and use the restroom. When he came out of the house, the boy jumped directly back into the water. No adults observed the boy re-enter the water. The Montgomery Fire and Rescue Dive Team arrived on the scene and recovered the boy’s lifeless body in approximately nine feet of water.

Observing the scene, I noticed the little boy’s life jacket approximately 10 feet from where he re-entered the water. Life jackets save lives, when properly used and worn. This tragic event could have been prevented with the wearing of a life jacket and proper adult supervision

26 NASBLA.ORG September-October 2014 | Small Craft Advisory Numerous excuses drowning. Life jackets save lives when properly used and worn. Personal Parents often argue that life jackets flotation devices should be immediately are uncomfortable to children. I have within reach, the correct size for intended conducted safety inspections where user, and in good condition. parents with infants claim no life jacket or other personal flotation device (PFD) Acting Director Dr. Ileana Aries of the would fit the infant. And many adults Injury Center said, “Recreational water themselves do not wear life jackets for sites are wonderful places for family fun a variety of reasons. There have been and physical activities; balancing the claims that life jackets put limitations on risks means keeping your family safe by maneuverability and the enjoyment they choosing locations with lifeguards and experience with water activity. Some using Coast Guard-approved personal adults claim to be expert swimmers and flotation devices.” Regular use of a U.S. feel they do not need to wear a life jacket. Coast Guard-approved life jacket during Other reasons people give for not wearing recreational water activities may aid if a life jacket include that it is excessively an individual slips or falls unexpectedly hot, causes blistering, will mess up a tan into the water. line, or it is simply not comfortable. Life jackets are essential equipment on In the article, “Injury Prevention: Study boating excursions. The operator and Shows Impact of Water Dangers,” the passengers need to be able to get to author writes that in the year 2001, more these life-saving devices in case of than 3,300 individuals drowned and 4,100 an emergency. The operator should were administered emergency medical require every passenger on the boat care for non-life-threatening drowning- to wear a life jacket any time they are related injuries in the United States. on the water. With today’s variety, Other studies conducted revealed that the boaters can select different styles non-life-threatening drowning possibly and types of life jackets to meet could cause brain damage or additional there needs. There is a wide range of continuing unfavorable effects. Children choices for any water activity, and the age four and younger and males of every cost provides individual safety for a age were at a greater danger of drowning. sensible investment. The study illustrated that approximately 75 percent of non-life threatening injuries In the article, “National Safe Boating took place in pools, whereas 70 percent of Council: Life Jacket Wear is a Top the deaths happened in a natural water Priority of Boating Safety Partners All environment. The majority of non-life- Year Round,” Virgil Chambers, retired threatening injuries were young children executive director of the National Boating playing in residential swimming pools. Council said, “Approximately 90 percent of recreational boating drowning victims weren’t wearing a life jacket. Today’s Life jackets save lives comfortable and stylish life jackets make it easy to ‘Wear It!’ with any water activity.” There is not a single valid an excuse for an individual not to wear a life jacket during water activity. The devices come Stop the tragedies in a variety of styles, shapes and types. Manufacturers produce life jackets for On Nov. 28, 2013, at approximately 11:40 infants to adults. Individuals can contact a a.m., the Alabama Marine Police Division customer service representative of the life received a call from dispatch of a possible jacket manufacturer for any questions in drowning on Lake Martin. The next reference to its use. afternoon, divers recovered the body of a lifeless hunter. On the shore, Adults have the responsibility to protect approximately 150 yards from where children by making sure the child is the hunter had launched his canoe, wearing a life jacket in or near pools and lay his life jacket. The magnitude of recreational waterways. wearing a personal flotation device 123RF Photo Individuals who claim to be expert goes beyond measure. Remember, life swimmers could still be at risk for jackets float; people don’t. F

September-October 2014 NASBLA.ORG 27 Boating Briefs

Corporal Lyndle Crownover (on the right) receives the NASBLA Award of Commendation in recognition of his rescue of a boater from the White River last spring. Arkansas Game & Fish photo.

Arkansas officer receives recreational boating life-saving award

The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission presented the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ (NASBLA) Award of Commendation to Corporal Lyndle Crownover. The award was presented in recognition of Crownover’s rescue of a boater from the White River last spring.

On May 25, 2013, Cpl. Crownover, an officer with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, was patrolling in his boat and checking bank anglers in the Rim Shoals catch and release area when he observed a man fall into the water. The victim turned out to be an intoxicated boater who was not wearing a life jacket and had on waders. least expected and most assuredly saving President signs Highway Trust The fisherman immediately began to the fisherman’s life,” said Stephanie struggle and go under as he was swept Weatherington, the boating law Fund patch downstream. Cpl. Crownover reacted administrator for the state of Arkansas. quickly and was able to intercept the fisherman, pull him out of the fast- Created in 2008, the NASBLA In August, President Barack Obama moving water and get him to the safety Award of Commendation is given signed into law H.R. 5021, the of the shore. Without Cpl. Crownover’s in recognition of persons who have Highway and Transportation Funding swift actions, this incident would exhibited heroism and faced risks Act of 2014, approving an $11 billion, have no doubt ended in tragedy. to their own lives in saving another 10-month Highway Trust Fund “Cpl. Crownover is to be commended person involved in a recreation patch. H.R. 5021 extends surface for answering the call for service when boating incident. transportation funding authorities,

28 NASBLA.ORG September-October 2014 | Small Craft Advisory including the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, from Oct. 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015.

As this law does not extend funding through the entire fiscal year Fresh approach to 16 officers died due to job-related (Sept. 30), this will have an effect illnesses and other causes. on amounts states and nonprofit paddling safety organizations may receive in FY 2015. The deadliest month in the first half Congress will need to enact another What’s one thing that all paddling of 2014 was May with 18 fatalities. transportation bill to continue instructors need? Safety information, Fourteen officers were killed in March funding through the remainder of presented to viewers in an and 13 were killed in January. Ten the fiscal year (or a portion thereof) entertaining way. officers died in April, seven officers beyond May 31, 2015. died in June, and February had the With paddling safety as its top fewest fatalities with five deaths. priority, the American Canoe US Coast Guard awards $4.8 Association, with funding from the Monday was the deadliest day of the U.S. Coast Guard, partnered with week for law enforcement officers million in nonprofit grants Anzovin Studio to create two animated in the first half of the year, with 15 videos in an effort to deliver fun and fatalities, followed by Wednesday The U.S. Coast Guard awarded 24 competi- engaging safety messages that stick. with 11 fatalities. Tuesday had the tive grants totaling more than $4.8 million fewest fatalities with five fatalities in for recreational boating safety initiatives. Check out the new animated videos the first six months of the year. Fourteen national nonprofit organizations at http://www.americancanoe. received cooperative agreement funding org/?page=AnimatedVideos. Please These are among the many findings of to advance the National Recreational feel free to share these videos to Law Enforcement Officer Deaths: Mid- Boating Safety Strategic Plan objectives spread the message of safe boating Year 2014 Report recently released by designed to reduce the number of acci- and help reduce the number of pad- the National Law Enforcement Officers dents, injuries and deaths on America’s dling-related fatalities. Memorial Fund. For more information, waterways and to facilitate a safe, enjoy- visit nleomf.org/facts/research-bulletins. able boating experience for the public. NLEOMF releases new report Grant recipients will receive funds for multiple endeavors, including: on 2014 law enforcement increasing life jacket wear rates, officer fatalities standardize national boating safety training courses, reduce alcohol-related boating fatalities and As of June 30, 2014, 67 officers conduct multiple media outreach have been killed in the line of duty safety campaigns. — a 31-percent increase over the same period last year. Of these, 26 To read more about the grants, visit officers were killed in traffic-related http://www.uscgboating.org/grants/ incidents, 25 officers were killed nonprofit_grants_2014.aspx. in firearms-related incidents and

(Boating Briefs continued on page 30)

September-October 2014 NASBLA.ORG 29 Boating Briefs (Continued)

New Hampshire requires Recreational boating conditions, use of inadequate equipment or unserviceable gear and towline strength search and rescue fines deaths drop in NY that was in some cases compromised.

New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan The number of fatal recreational boating As a result of the investigation, signed three bills into law which accidents last year on New York waters the NTSB issued six safety regulate boating and fishing activities was the lowest since 2006, drawing recommendations to the Coast Guard, in the state. As required by HB 256, if applause from safety advocates. the Federal Aviation Administration the state determines that the negli- and the National Association of State gence of a person caused a search and The positive trend, echoed nationally, Boating Law Administrators. rescue operation, that person will be is partly due to improved boat required to pay the costs of the rescue designs, mandatory safety classes An executive summary and links to the effort, unless the person has a current and crackdowns on boating while full 33-page report and the safety alert recreational activity license such as a intoxicated, experts and boaters say. are available at http://go.usa.gov/9SFF. fishing license or vessel registration. Last year, 18 boaters were killed in The fines will be paid into the state’s New York, or 3.9 deaths per 100,000 search and rescue fund. HB 292 re- registered vessels, according to the quires operators of boats registered U.S. Coast Guard. That’s down from 27 Design a better life jacket in other states or countries to pay for fatalities in 2012, or 5.8 per 100,000. In and win $10,000 and display a milfoil decal if the boat is 1980, there were 61 deaths and the rate used in inland waters. It also increases was 19.09 per 100,000, state data show. the Vessel Registration Fee from $7.50 Are you an armchair inventor with a to $9.50. HB 1448 requires all boats to better way to keep boaters, sailors and be registered with the state. All three Special investigation finds anglers afloat? The BoatUS Foundation shall take effect on Jan. 1, 2015. has teamed up with the Personal parasailing largely unregulated Flotation Device Manufacturers Association and the National Marine The National Transportation Safety Manufacturers Association to seek out New Jersey governor signs Board’s first investigative report into the newest technologies and design legislation to promote parasailing safety finds the activity is ideas with the Innovation in Life Jacket largely unregulated with serious accidents Design Competition. safe boating frequently caused by faulty equipment. During the course of its investigations, A $10,000 cash award goes to the In July, Gov. Chris Christie signed the NTSB identified a variety of safety winning designer and inventors have into law legislation aimed at until April 15, 2015, to submit their increasing safe boating practices on idea to BoatUS.org/design. New Jersey’s inland lakes and waterways. “Waterway users are always looking for more comfortable life jackets,” said The bipartisan legislation increases BoatUS Foundation President Chris the penalty for anyone leaving the Edmonston. “While current models of scene of a boating accident in New life jackets save lives every day, many Jersey waters or for failing to assist are still bulky and uncomfortable, anyone injured in a boating-related leaving boaters reluctant to wear accident as required by law. S-846 them. This competition hopes to will raise the penalty to a second- challenge that mindset.” degree offense to leave the scene if the accident results in the death of Entries will be judged on wearability, anyone involved. reliability, cost and innovation. Additionally, the BoatUS Foundation Second-degree offenses will now be will post entries on their website punishable by a prison term of five and Facebook page for public voting. to 10 years, up to $150,000 in fines or The winner will be announced at the both. New Jersey law currently requires September 2015 International Boat the operator of a boat involved in an Builders Exhibition and Conference accident to stop the boat immediately in Louisville, Kentucky. For more and assist any injured parties as long as concerns, including vessel operators who information or to enter, visit they can do so safely. continued to operate in hazardous wind BoatUS.org/design.F

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Because of your help and support, 2014 Rachel Johnson, CAE looks even more promising. This year’s Executive Director Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day was more popular than ever, and we once National Safe again achieved this year’s world record of Boating Council the most life jackets worn at “Ready, Set, Wear It!” with 6,973 participants. In the five years that we’ve worked together to n recent years, the National Safe promote this event, nearly 20,000 people Boating Council (NSBC) has placed have had direct contact with the Wear Imore importance on grassroots It! message through your events – not to campaigns, marketing, and building a mention all those who have been exposed strong foundation through partnerships simply by walking by your booths, and nationwide volunteer programs to demonstrations, and Vessel Safety Checks. Peter Gionet has been directly involved in accomplish our mission. As we all “do New York’s recreational boating education more with less,” we must also understand How do we continue our boating safety program for nearly 25 years, during which how the power of working together messaging and events when boaters are time he has developed and overseen every aspect of the state’s boater education to promote boating safety makes us a actually out on the water? The NSBC program. His ongoing efforts garnered him stronger, more unified voice. takes a proactive approach by educating NASBLA’s 2013 Boating Safety Award, recreational boating safety professionals which is sponsored by the National Safe Did you know that, in 2013, the NSBC’s with our on-water training programs. Led Boating Council. media outreach and public relations by our Training Director Emily King and NY Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic efforts translated to the placement of our knowledgeable instructor-trainers, Preservation photo 21,030 print, radio, television, and online the NSBC continues to certify and train media hits – reaching a potential audience instructors nationwide, from Maine to we have been a partner organization with of more than 1.2 billion people nationwide? Alaska to Nevada – and everywhere in the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard That’s an increase of 950 percent compared between. To date, the NSBC has certified Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadrons, to 2012! And, at any given time, the NSBC’s 42 instructor-trainers and over 500 and NASBLA, to name a few. Just last boating safety messages can be broadcast instructors nationwide. The NSBC has month, we began a tri-collaboration to more than 5,100 people on Facebook recorded that over 10,000 boaters have with NSBC member-organization ACR and over 15,000 people on Twitter. This been taught by our certified instructors. Electronics and the Monica Burguera means that – with the click of a mouse We’re always looking for new partners to Foundation. Both located in Florida, – the NSBC can send a message to over help train in local communities; please let they recognize that using singular 20,000 people. Imagine how that reach us know if you’re interested in offering messaging and shared resources will expands when our partners and volunteers training in your state. help to reach the 800,000+ boaters in share our messages! the Sunshine State. Lastly, the NSBC continues to proudly sponsor the annual NASBLA Boating The NSBC will continue its commitment Safety Award, given to a state or to helping you achieve greater reach local government individual at the within your communities. We are annual NASBLA Conference. First available to provide resources, presented in 1992, the Boating Safety information, and networking with Award recognizes one outstanding our volunteers and partnership representative who has demonstrated opportunities. By unifying our outstanding performance in boating knowledge and sharing our different safety. Past recipients can be viewed expertise, we can increase outreach on NASBLA’s website, NASBLA. and effect a behavioral change for org. We’re humbled to once again be boaters to be prepared and safer on our A key grassroots effort by the National able to recognize people that truly waters. We look forward to continuing Safe Boating Council is the annual Wear make a difference – whether it’s in law our collaboration with NASBLA, the Your Life Jacket to Work Day. In the five enforcement, education, search and rescue, states, organizations, and volunteers years that the NSBC has worked with its or any equally important segment to make throughout the country in an effort to partners to promote this event, nearly 20,000 people have had direct contact recreational boating safer every year. promote safer boating. We are stronger with the Wear It! Message when we work together. As Helen Keller Canadian Red Cross photo The NSBC has always valued our once said, “Alone we can do so little; partnerships. Since our inception in 1958, together we can do so much”. F

September-October 2014 NASBLA.ORG 33 Boat Forces Files USCG Boat Forces – a key partner in the nation’s maritime safety and security

Captain Todd safety, education, and NASBLA that formally established Wiemers public policy, and it was NASBLA’s BOAT Program as the the Coast Guard’s Boat National Standard for the training and Chief, Office Operations and Training credentialing of state, county, local (BOAT) Manual outlining and tribal maritime law enforcement of Boat Forces the basic skills of Coast Guard officers and rescue personnel. The memo U.S. Coast Guard boat crews (everything originated in the Office of Boat Forces, from donning a life jacket the Coast Guard’s headquarters program to navigating a search that oversees every Coast Guard vessel t’s hard to overstate the pattern) that served as the under 65 feet, which is to say the more longevity and tremendous value doctrinal foundation of NASBLA’s maneuverable class of vessels and those Iof NASBLA’s partnership with highly successful BOAT Program. that perform the majority of the Coast the United States Coast Guard. Guard’s search & rescue, patrol, and There’s more than a 50-year history The partnership was underscored security missions. of positive cooperation between dramatically on May 11, 2012, when NASBLA and the Coast Guard in the United States Coast Guard signed a The Office of Boat Forces’ overarching the arenas of recreational boating memorandum of understanding with purpose is to provide the resources and

34 NASBLA.ORG September-October 2014 | Small Craft Advisory expertise that our boat crews on the water With a reputation for excellence in success, including high quality boat need to execute their missions. In my mission performance, Coast Guard capability, advances in personal protective staff are the platform managers for three boats and their crews are essential equipment (PPE), operational risk dozen boat types, the policy managers and to the nation’s maritime safety and management, and a robust formal and unit innovators who produce and disseminate security. The ongoing emphasis on the training system. Boat Forces’ Operational the rules and practices that govern the Ports, Waterways and Coastal Security Commanders, Commanding Officers, and Boat Forces profession, as well as the (PWCS) mission is a vivid example of the Officers in Charge safely and effectively Boat Forces specialists and analysts who continuously changing environment in manage their crews in the performance make sure this is all carried out with which the Boat Forces are called upon and execution of their duties across a wide maximum safety and efficiency. to perform. As stated in Creating and spectrum of missions. Coast Guard’s Boat Sustaining Strategic Intent in the Coast Guard: Forces aspire to be the world standard for The truth is, while the Coast professional boat operations, and must Guard launches airplanes, continually study and train to live up helicopters, and cutters to that aspiration. underway to carry out the many and varying Coast “The world the Coast Guard must operate Increasingly key to the Boat Forces Guard missions, the element in, however, is changing profoundly. The mindset is something that’s become you are most likely to see as a bit of a mantra in the modern day: a boater is indeed from a Boat terror attacks of September 11th are the “Force Multiplication through Forces unit. In light of this and most vivid illustration, but accelerating Interoperability.” What this the history of the partnership change has been buffeting the Service means to Boat Forces is that strong between NASBLA and the since the end of the Cold War. Rapid, partnerships with State and local Office of Boat Forces, I’d like law enforcement, fire/rescue, and to introduce you to these almost dizzying advances in technology, commercial towing and salvage Boat Forces professionals. global networks, trans-national forces, providers are vitally important This is an opportunity and international markets are profoundly to the safety and security of the for the SCA readers – you public, and directly support that recreational boaters, boating reshaping global maritime security. The ever-essential goal of safe and law administrators, education emerging maritime domain is a much riskier effective boat operations. specialists, law enforcement place, and is changing the face of every Coast officers, legislators, and other Guard mission. It is essential today that the Never forget, the Coast Guard’s Boat boating safety partners – to Forces professionals are your partners meet and understand the Coast Guard think and act with an under- on the water. Whether your business Office of Boat Forces, your standing of the forces behind the changing takes you through the ocean, river, primary Coast Guard partner world of the 21st century.” gulf, lake, ice, or any other kind of with whom your lives and waterway in this great land, know livelihoods go hand in hand. that you have a teammate and fellow professional out there with you in Let me start the introduction the United States Coast Guard Boat by highlighting the mission of the Boat Forces units are critical operational Forces. Reach out and you’ll discover United States Coast Guard’s Boat Forces: elements of the Coast Guard. The heroic that those uniformed Coast Guard To provide the capability that enables safe efforts of Boat Forces professionals professionals in their boats are grateful and effective boat operations in support of make a heavyweight contribution to to serve alongside you – and they’re well all Coast Guard missions. the Coast Guard’s success, annually aware that help and necessity run both accounting for 79 percent of lives ways, and that you’re their partner as Safe and effective boat operations saved, 89 percent of property saved, well as they are yours. in support of all missions requires a and 76 percent of law enforcement substantial investment in human capital, sightings and boardings. As the Chief of Coast Guard Boat Forces, capabilities, training, equipment, and it is my responsibility to make sure those leadership to bring it all together into Risks are ever present in boat Boat Force personnel you encounter on a professional force. Coast Guard Boat operations, and safety in the program the water get the support they need Forces enable mission performance in is paramount. Through a decade-long to be your perfect maritime partners. support of the strategic roles of the Coast commitment to safe and effective boat It is a responsibility I take personally, Guard: maritime security, maritime operations, Boat Forces has decreased and you should know that I am your safety, protection of natural resources, its mishap rate to enviable levels partner as well. We share the noble maritime mobility, and national defense. compared with other transportation goal of keeping our waterways safe Boat Forces provide the core capabilities modes such as automobiles and airline and secure. I sign off here with a and competencies, based on operational travel, or even compared with other hand of cooperation extended to you requirements, necessary to safely Department of Defense elements that fellow maritime professionals, and and effectively operate boats in the perform maritime operational missions. an expression of gratitude for your execution of all Coast Guard missions. Many factors contribute to Boat Forces’ continued strong partnership. F

September-October 2014 NASBLA.ORG 35 Coast Guard Comments

Tracking national boating safety course completions through the years

ince the time I was hired in 2004, our In 2008, 397,633 boating safety certificates office has been tracking the annual were issued, showing a slight increase Snumber of standards-meeting* basic over the previous year’s numbers. boating safety education courses and Then in 2009, there were 463,027 certificates issued. Although we were certificates issued – a 16-percent Wayne Stacey tracking the data, it was rather spotty increase from 2008’s numbers. This Operations Branch for a few years. The year 2006 is the best appears to coincide with the general Boating Safety Division starting point for analyzing trends in societal increase in popularity of online Office of Auxiliary & national numbers because the data that learning. At this point, more states had Boating Safety we have been receiving concerning state/ approved online boating safety courses U.S. Coast Guard territory courses on Performance Report as a method of getting their residents Part II is accurate and serves as the best educated too. them to the Coast Guard on the annual method to capture this information. Performance Report Part II. It is the The year 2010 saw a 17-percent decrease only means that the Coast Guard has The Strategic Plan of the National in the number of certificates issued. to track boating education data that is Recreational Boating Safety Program This was the first annual decrease used to brief the National Boating Safety has increased the emphasis on boating since 2006. Only 384,236 certificates Advisory Council and other government safety education as a whole and on were issued in 2010. The numbers agencies on how we are educating the tracking and analyzing the number of improved in 2011 with 459,695 boating boating public. people who have received it. Within the safety certificates issued, which was a Strategic Plan are the key performance 20-percent increase from the previous I applaud the hard work that is being goals of the program: to reduce fatalities year’s numbers. The year 2012 showed done by the boating safety instructors and injuries via 11 objectives and those an increase of 7 percent with 491,525 for their many hours in the classroom strategies within each objective that are boating safety certificates issued. 2013 teaching to make our waterways a safer judged necessary to attain these goals. showed an all-time in boating safety place. Remember, always wear your life certificates issued with 509,443, an jacket, file a float plan, and take a boating Objective 1 of the Strategic Plan increase of 4 percent over the previous safety course. Boat responsibly! F deals with boating safety education year’s numbers. An interesting fact certificates and the successful is that 48 percent of the certificates completion of a boating safety course. issued in 2013 were from Internet-based Editor’s Note: The author is referring The goal is to increase the number of courses. The chart below displays the to NASBLA’s ‘National Boating Education persons who complete a boating safety national trend in approved boating safety Standard’ and certificates earned by completion course or test that conforms to the certificates earned. of a ‘NASBLA-Approved’ course. NASBLA National Boating Education Standards as and the USCG Boating Safety Division are at a recognized by the USCG. disagreement on how the standards should be referenced. Since the 1990s, NASBLA and the Strategy 1.1, the states will annually track the states have used the phrase ‘NASBLA Standards’ number of certificates and/or course completions to identify the specific set of standards developed from boating safety course providers that conform and adopted by NASBLA membership, and the to the National Boating Education Standards as phrase ‘NASBLA-approved’ to identify courses recognized by the USCG. which have been independently assessed by NASBLA as meeting the national standard. Strategy 1.2, the Coast Guard will extract and Use of these phrases have helped to reduce total all persons enrolled and all boating safety confusion for the recreational boater and law certificates issued for that year from all 56 enforcement, enhancing reciprocity among the states and territories. Suggested improvement states, and guiding boaters to courses meeting Approved course providers could individual state-specific requirements. The So…what is the trend? improve on reporting their numbers National Technology Transfer and Advancement In 2006, there were 323,871 course to the boating law administrator(s) Act of 1995 and Office of Management and certificates issued nationwide. for the state(s) in which they do Budget CIRCULAR NO. A-119 (Revised), Federal In 2007, there was an increase of business. After all, the first step is for Participation in the Development and Use of 22 percent with 396,083 course approved course providers to report Voluntary Consensus Standards and in Conformity certificates issued. With more states the number of certificates issued in Assessment Activities, guide federal agencies passing mandatory boating education accordance with the terms of their to “reference voluntary consensus standards, laws, the Coast Guard expected to national certification agreement. This along with sources of availability, in appropriate see the boating education certificate allows for accuracy when the states publications, regulatory orders, and related numbers rise. compile their numbers and submit internal documents.

36 NASBLA.ORG September-October 2014 | Small Craft Advisory Satisfying all learning styles with live-action video content from the boating safety industry experts.

Contact: Mitch Strobl [email protected] 214-437-9900

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2014-15 RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY CALENDAR 2014 17-21 22-23 May NASBLA Colorado River Law Enforcement 6-7 October Advanced Accident Association American Boating Congress 19 Investigation Course Annual Conference Washington, D.C. National Boating Federation Havana, Florida Laughlin, Nevada nmma.org nasbla.org/accident crlea.org Executive Committee Meeting [email protected] [email protected] 16-22 Bar Harbor, Maine 859.225.9487 n-b-f.org National Safe Boating Week 28-30 www.SafeBoatingCampaign.com 23-25 19-21 International Marina & Boatyard C-PORT US Sailing Conference June Conference and Annual Meeting Tampa, Florida 26-28 Milwaukee, Wisconsin Membership Meeting marinaassociation.org ussailing.org West Palm Beach, Florida [email protected] Operation Dry Water www.operationdrywater.org [email protected] cport.us 401.682.7334 401.683.0800 December August 28-29 February 27-30 3 U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary National Water Safety Congress National Recreational 21 Executive Board Meeting National Convention Boating Safety American Canoe Association San Antonio, Texas Lexington, Kentucky Coalition Meeting Board of Directors Meeting cgauxa.org/nacon watersafetycongress.org Washington, D.C. Fredericksburg, Virginia [email protected] americancanoe.org 202.257.2836 [email protected] 30-September 6 United States Power Squadrons Governing Board Meeting 7-10 March San Diego, California November NASBLA 1-4 usps.org 4-5 RBS Instructor International Association September Homeland Security Outlook Development Workshop of Marine Investigators Maritime Security Caribbean Jacksonville, Florida Annual Training Seminar 13-16 Nassau, Bahamas nasbla.org/MOI Mobile, Alabama NASBLA maritimesecuritycaribbean.com 859.225.9487 iamimarine.org/iami Annual Conference Wichita, Kansas 6-7 10-12 4-5 nasbla.org NASBLA NASBLA [email protected] National Boating Safety Advisory 859.225.9487 Council Fall Meeting Executive Board Meeting BLA Workshop Washington, D.C. Lexington, Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky homeport.uscg.mil/NBSAC nasbla.org nasbla.org October [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 9 202.372.1061 859.225.9487 859.225.9487 American Canoe Association Swiftwater Rescue Conference 16-19 Dillsboro, North Carolina Marine Retailers Association 2015 29-April1 americancanoe.org of the Americas January National Safe Boating Council [email protected] Marine Dealer Conference & Expo National Water Safety Congress Orlando, Florida 18-25 International Boating 24 mraa.com United States Power Squadrons & Water Safety Summit American Canoe Association [email protected] Annual Meeting Sandestin, Florida Board of Directors Meeting Jacksonville, Florida ibwss.org Charleston, South Carolina www.usps.org americancanoe.org [email protected]