Boating Safety Hall of Fame

The National Safe Boating Council honors the following individuals who have shown exemplary leadership and performed outstanding service on behalf of safe boating and the council. All are known as true champions of boating safety.

(Left to Right)
Bill Griswold, Veronica Floyd, Tim Smalley, Marty Law, Pam Dillon and Everette Tucker help present the NSBC Boating Safety Hall of Fame Award to Virgil Chambers.

Virgil Chambers 2010

Virgil Chambers is the Executive Director for the National Safe Boating Council, Inc. As the Executive Director, he serves as the technical content advisor in the direct support of National Safe Boating Council’s education and information programs. He is responsible for the planning and development of the year-round national boating safety awareness campaign administrated for the United States Coast Guard. He also serves as a representative of the Council to national and international organizations.

Mr. Chambers is the founder of the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) water rescue training program and was the director of this national program for 10 years (1987-1997).

He wrote the original BOAT/U.S. Foundation On-line (Internet) Boating Safety Course. While in the navy he was stationed at the U.S. Naval Amphibious School, Inshore Patrol Boat Division, at Coronado, California, Later he was assigned to the Coastal and Inshore Division aboard a patrol craft in the Republic of Vietnam where he was decorated for his actions in combat.

Mr. Chambers has received several awards for his contributions to boating safety some of which include: 2008 NASBLA’s National Boating Safety Leadership Award, 2008 NASBLA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, 2008 National Water Safety Congress’s National Award for Outstanding Contributions to Water Safety, 2006 Special Leadership Award from the NSBC Board of Directors, 2004, 2003 and 2002 NASBLA’s Presidential Award.

Veronica Floyd, NSBC Chair, presents Tim Smalley with the NSBC Boating Safety Hall of Fame Award.

Tim Smalley 2010

Tim Smalley has been the boating safety education coordinator for the Minnesota DNR since July of 1984 and, in the past 25 years has contributed in countless ways to the recreational boating safety community. In that time he has changed the face of boating safety outreach and education, not only in Minnesota, but across the country.

The innovative television and radio public service announcements, and other public outreach campaigns he worked on, have won numerous regional and national advertising awards, including the Oscar of advertising, the CLIO award. They have been used since the 1980’s by over 30 U.S. states, a number of federal agencies and in Canada.

He is a long time member of the NASBLA education committee and has been involved in the marketing and outreach Sub-committee for the last two years. Tim has also chaired the NASBLA sub-committee for the Seal of Safe Boating Practices for more than ten years and also serves as the chairman of the NASBLA Boating Education Advisory Panel (known as BEAP).

Additional awards Tim has received are: The 2004 NASBLA Boating Safety Award, the 2001 Northern Association of Boating Administrators (NABA) Leroy Orvis Award, the 1992 NASBLA Bonner Award, the 1989 American League of Anglers and Boaters, and the 1988 North Central International Assn. of Boating Law Administrators Boating Safety Award.

Ed Carter

Ed Carter began is career in boating safety with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) in 1972.  In 1990, Mr. Carter became the Boating Law Administrator for TWRA’s Boating Safety Division.  On February 19, 2009, Mr. Carter was named the new Executive Director of the TWRA.  In addition to his supervisory position with the TWRA, he has served in leadership positions for several regional and national organizations. 

Recent leadership positions include two terms as President of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), Chair of the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC), and the TWRA Emergency Services Coordinator with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency for more than 16 years.  Currently, Mr. Carter is a member of the National Boating Safety Advisory Council and serves as Chair of the Government Affairs Committee for NASBLA.

Mr. Carter has received numerous honors during the course of his career.  He is a recent recipient of the United States Coast Guard/United States Power Squadrons Eagle Award for significant contributions to boating safety.  Other awards and citations for Mr. Carter include the NASBLA Bonner Award, NASBLA Lifetime Achievement Award, U.S. Coast Guard Public Service Commendation and in 2006, the Tennessee Legislature passed House/Senate Resolution 735 recognizing Ed Carter for meritorious service to the state of Tennessee.

Carolyn Belmore

Carolyn Belmore has been actively involved in boating safety for the past 35 years as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the National Boating Safety Advisory Council (NSSAC).

As current president of the New England Safe Boating Council (NESBC), a member organization of the NSBC, she has worked to initiate a series of paddlesport safety forums that reached out to paddle oriented sporting organizations and retailers. These efforts allowed the collaboration of multiple safety organizations to form the highly successful “Boat Smart/Paddlesmart” Campaign. She has also worked on development and uses for LED navigation lights.

In addition to being the current President of the NESBC, Carolyn also serves as a volunteer manager of the Support and Training Center on Cape Cod for the District Director of the Auxiliary as well as being an Associate Member of National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the Northern Association of Boating Administrators, and a member of the National Boating Federation. She has worked tirelessly to promote safe and responsible boating to the paddlesport and boating communities, making a significant contribution to boating safety.
 

William “Griz” Griswold

William Griswold began his 52 year career in boating safety in the U.S. Army, serving in aviation tours and a tour in Vietnam.  Retiring in 1993 as Captain after a 37 year military career, Griswold went on to become a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, eventually serving as the Chief Director of the Auxiliary at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C.  He is active in his local Auxiliary unit in Florida and has continued to contribute to the field of boating safety by serving as the Chairman of the National Safe Boating Council and as President of the United Safe Boating Institute and serves on several committees for the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.

Among his awards are: the U. S. Coast Guard and U. S. Power Squadron Eagle Award for Recreational Boating Safety Excellence in 2007, and the National Association of Boating Law Administrator’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.  The Coast Guard Auxiliary awarded him the Auxiliary Meritorious Service Medal for his contribution to their programs and missions.

Scott Swanby
Scott Swanby’s quest for boating safety began more than 17 years ago, following the drowning death of a good friend while duck hunting. After that accident, Mr. Swanby embarked on the development of a comfortable and truly wearable inflatable jacket. Mr. Swanby is a dedicated boating safety activist and developer of the first S.O.S. inflatable life jacket. He has worked on the some of the most significant improvements and enhancements to PFD inflatable technology. He has led the industry in a search for automatic inflation systems which was ultimately approved for use the U.S. Coast Guard after 10 years of persistence and hard work.

Mr. Swanby is dedicated to the mission of safe boating. He is a member of the National Safe Boating Council, the National Boating Safety Advisory Council, past president of the Personal Floatation Device Manufacturers Association and is actively involved as an exhibitor, presenter and sponsor of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators conference and the International Boating and Water Safety Summit. Mr. Swanby has made boating safety his life’s work and his great contributions to the development of more comfortable and wearable PFDs have made a lasting impact on the field of boating safety.

The National Safe Boating Council Boating Safety Hall of Fame honors those individuals who have shown exemplary leadership and performed outstanding lasting service on behalf of the boating safety community. Those inducted into this prestigious Hall of Fame have contributed significantly to the advancement of safe boating across the continent. All are known are true champions of boating safety

Charlie Walbridge
Charlie Walbridge was inducted into the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) Boating Safety Hall of Fame at the Whitewater Park Conference on April 19, 2007. Charlie has been active and involved in paddlesport safety for nearly 40 years. He has dedicated his life to improving paddling safety, volunteering tens of thousands of hours to the sport. His contributions in safety and access have kept rivers open and increased the enjoyment of paddlesports. His work, while focused predominantly within the US, is imitated and known worldwide.

The National Safe Boating Council Boating Safety Hall of Fame honors those individuals who have shown exemplary leadership and performed outstanding lasting service on behalf of the boating safety community. Those inducted into this prestigious Hall of Fame have contributed significantly to the advancement of safe boating across the continent. All are known are true champions of boating safety.

Lt. Col. Charles Clark
Lt. Col. Clark has enjoyed a 29 year career with the Enforcement Division of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Lt. Col. Clark has been given the honor of being appointed by President Bush to serve in certain homeland security and boating capacities. Lt. Col. Clark has spent many years advocating boating safety on the state and national levels by pushing for the passage of better laws concerning funding and boating safety. An example was the passage of a mandatory boating education law. His influence in passing boating safety laws and persistence in acquiring funding to benefit boating safety has been of great influence to boating safety in the state of Louisiana, as well as on the national level. Lt. Col. Clark has enjoyed memberships with several organizations, including the NASBLA, the NSBC, and the National Boating Safety Advisory Council. Lt. Col. Clark has also received honors and recognition by organizations such as NASBLA, USCG, and the NSBC.

William Garner
William Garner served as the boating law administrator for the state of Alabama for over 30 years. Mr. Garner has made significant contributions to Recreational Boating Safety through his successful campaigning to institute an engine cut off switch law in Alabama, legislation to require boat operator’s license and increased penalties for boating under the influence. These endeavors have resulted in a significant reduction in boating fatalities in Alabama. Mr. Garner has been actively involved in such organizations as the Southern States Boating Law Administrators Association, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, the Boating Safety Advisory Council and the Marine Engineering Council, all which promote safety in recreational boating.

John Michael Malatak
John Malatak has been involved in boating safety for over 35 years. Mr. Malatak has been a key figure in boating safety programs in more than ten national organizations. His positions in these various boating organizations have allowed him to contribute significantly to safe boating on both a professional and personal level. As Chief of the Programs Operations Division for the United States Coast Guard Headquarters, Mr. Malatak serves to coordinate all aspects of the United States Coast Guard’s Recreational Boating Safety Program including funding implementation and outreach and awareness programs. Mr. Malatak has taught and continues to teach numerous boating safety courses, ranging from general boating and water safety as volunteer for the Red Cross to more advanced safety topics such as Coastal Navigation and Search and Rescue as a Boating Safety Master Instructor.

James Ellis
Jim Ellis is the president of the Boat Owners Association of the United States (Boat U.S.) and current chairman of American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC). Mr. Ellis is a member of the board of the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and a past chair of the National Safe Boating Council. Through his vision and participation we have seen the development of the Boat US Foundation, boating safety internet courses, and the advancement of the inflatable life jacket. Mr. Ellis is a life-long avid power boater, sail boater and fisherman.

Richard H. Snyder
Richard Snyder retired after a forty-two and a half year career as a design engineer with Mercury Marine. Mr. Snyder continues as a consultant for Mercury Marine. During his career Mr. Snyder was involved in product safety and accident prevention. His inventions have reflected very positively toward the advancement of safer boating. Mr. Snyder has been an active participant in the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), USCG Boating Safety Advisory Council and the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC). Mr. Snyder is a boating enthusiast.

Albert J. Marmo
Retired from the USCG Office of Boating Safety as Chief of the Program Management Division and Executive Director of the USCG National Boating Safety Advisory Council. Mr. Marmo has been responsible for many improvements in the RBS program over his 35 years of service. He has assisted the States and boating safety organizations in advancing safer boating.

George W. Stewart Jr.
Served as the Boating Law Administrator for the State of Delaware from 1973 to 1987. A leader in boating safety among the State administrators was President of the North East Boating Law Administrators (two terms) and President of the National Association. After his State Retirement went on to be NASBLA’s first Executive Director.

Ray Scott
Founded Bass Angler Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) Served on the US Coast Guard Boating Safety Advisory Council by appointment from 1976 through 1978. His leadership in implementing safe boating practices into tournament fishing has not only saved lives, but also made a nationwide impact and created a high standard for others to follow.

William Selden
Served for the U.S. Power Squadrons for more than 42 years working his way to the National Level and serving various areas including Vice Commander as the National Administrative Officer of the National Bridge, National Chief Commander, and on the National Safe Boating Advisory Council, where he received the US Coast Guard Meritorious Service Award. Received two U.S. Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Awards and served a two-year term as Chairman of the National Safe Boating Council, which will come to completion in September of 2002.

Lysle Gray
Served in the US Navy from 1945-46 and 1951-55. Served in the US Coast Guard from 1973 to 1987 as Chief, Product Safety Assurance Branch. He has served as Executive Director of the American Boat and Yacht Council since 1987 maintaining boating safety standards.

Al Simon
Served from 1972 to 1995 on the National Boating Safety Advisory Council and its various subcommittees. He also served as President of the National Boating Federation, Commander of the Potomac River Power Squadron and Director of the American Boat and Yacht Council. Was an ardent activist for the development of safe and effective inflatable personal flotation devices.

Hunt Anderson
Former Chief of Boating Education with the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety, helped steer the way to a series of excellent safe boating week campaigns in the 1980’s and early 90’s.

Mario Biaggi
Former U.S. Representative and Chair of the Coast Guard and Navigation Subcommittee. He kept recreational boating safety issues as a top priority. The "Biaggi Bill", the recreational Boating Safety and Facilities Improvement Act, established an alternate method of providing a base of federal assistance for state boating safety programs.

John Breaux
A U.S. Legislator, who served in both the House and Senate. Co-sponsored the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 which created the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund, also known as the Wallop-Breaux Trust Fund.

Malcolm Wallop
This former U.S. Senator was a leader of senate efforts to expand the Sportfish Restoration Act. This act was enacted in 1984 as the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund, also known as the Wallop-Breaux Trust Fund.

Ron Stone
Worked with the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Instrumental in the early development days of the NSBC and in establishing national awareness of boating safety.

Carl C. Mahnken
Served as a key member in the NASBLA Boating Education Standards Advisory Board and in the U.S. Power Squadron.

John C. Bernhartsen
Served in U.S. Coast Guard Boating Education & Information Branch. Established minimum level of knowledge for boaters and assembled a work group that eventually blossomed into the NSBC. Credited with the idea for a Presidential Proclamation for Boating Safety Week as well as for the materials to support the annual national campaign.

Aime Bernard
Served as National Commodore of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, winning the highest awards for operational accomplishments. Served as the Auxiliary’s liaison to the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and as the Chair of the NSBC in 1992.

Dale P. Morey
Involved in boating safety and the NSBC since its formation in 1975. He served as Boating Law Administrator of Wisconsin from 1973 to 1990. In 1982 he became the president of NASBLA. Served as chair of the NSBC from 1986-1988.

William C. "Jack" Lucey
Worked with the American Red Cross for 45 years, retiring from his position as Executive Director in 1974. Specialized in water safety, small craft and first aid, traveling the country in order to train upcoming instructors. Active in the NSBC, NASBLA and The U.S. Power Squadrons, where he served as Chief Commander.

Al Bernardi
Participated on the committees of the National Fire Protection Association, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and the American Society for Testing and Materials. Secured critical support for NSBC during its early years through his association with Underwriters Laboratories.

Newell "Boats" Garden
Founded the New England Safe Boating Council. Spearheaded boating safety prevention with Raytheon Company. Leadership in the NSBC; serving as Chair from 1983-1984. Served on the National Boating Safety Advisory Committee from 1979-1991 with nine years as chair.

Richard Schwartz
Founding member of the NSBC, founder of Boat U.S. Helped to enact important legislation to represent the recreational boating community.

Robert Burnside
Served the American Red Cross as the National Director of Health and Safety, authoring the Red Cross’s Basic Boating and Sailing and Canoeing texts. Served on the original NSBC Board of Directors; served as Chair from 1973-1975.