We have been closely monitoring the calls and emails from our members and recreational boaters as we navigate uncharted waters during this public health crisis. Our priority is protecting the health and safety of our team, members, partners, and the recreational boaters who depend on us for guidance and resources. Many people are wondering if they can go boating, who they can boat with, and where they can go once they leave the dock. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer as many states have issued Stay-At-Home orders, with some prohibiting outdoor recreation and recreational boating, and some permitting it. To add to the confusion, orders and guidance often change daily.
Our message to responsible boaters is the importance of understanding the primary purpose of Stay-at-Home orders is to limit the spread of the virus. Risking unnecessary exposure is not just a hazard for boaters – it puts law enforcement, emergency responders, seniors, and vulnerable populations in danger. We are amazed at the selfless work of our members who are shifting gears and providing essential resources and supplies. Our partners at the U.S. Coast Guard, Army Corp of Engineers, Mustang Survival, ACR, West Marine the National Marine Manufacturing Association, and Brunswick have each done tremendous work during this crisis, and we thank you.
As we plan for National Safe Boating Week, we are implementing creative strategies and opening new pipelines to reach recreational boaters. In the absence of public outreach events, our team is reaching boaters on social media, through online learning, at rental facilities, through boat clubs, with strategic billboard placement, and at launch points. Our fulfillment staff is preparing the resources that our members rely on, and we will announce ship dates once offices are open and packages can be received. For our first responders, we have a limited supply of neck gaiters that can be used as a face covering. Please contact me directly, and we will ship some your way.
Our recreational boating safety community is strong, resilient, and will persevere through these times of adversity. We will work together, and when we come out on the other side of this crisis, we may not remember exactly how we got through it, but we won’t be the same as when we started. We’re establishing new ways of connecting and communicating. We are checking on each other, encouraging each other, asking for help, and reaching out to people we’ve never met. This crisis is encouraging the best in us, and our community is seizing the opportunity.
The National Safe Boating Council team maintains our ability to provide you with resources and services. While we may be working remotely, we are only a phone call or email away.
Sincerely,
Peg Phillips
Executive Director
National Safe Boating Council