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On-the-Water Training – Chesapeake Boating Academy – BIG News!
New boat, new location, new courses! Click the title to read more.
Latest News from the U.S. Coast Guard
Your major links to the U.S. Coast Guard newsroom from the last two weeks. Click the title to read more.
BoatUS Foundation Distinguished Civic Service Award Honor Goes to America’s Boating Club Atlanta
America’s Boating Club Atlanta took top honors recently at the organization’s annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, earning the 2024 BoatUS Foundation Distinguished Civic Service Award. Bestowed annually by the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water, the honor recognizes exceptional service in public boating safety education and service to the boating community. America’s Boating Club Atlanta’s members are from the city and suburbs of Atlanta and enjoy boating on Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona.
Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel Launches New Animation Series
Twiggy’s new animation series has launched on YouTube! Children can now follow Twiggy on a new adventure each week to learn more about water safety. Make sure to like and subscribe to @clubtwiggy on YouTube!
‘Lucy’s Law’ Introduced to Florida House to Mandate Boating Safety Training after Teen’s Death
“Lucy’s Law” will ensure that anyone driving a boat has at least a “basic understanding of safe boating practices,” according to a press release from Safe Seas Coalition. The bill also increases the penalties for reckless boating to include factors like accidents involving serious injury or death. Those boating under the influence could face driver’s license suspension. Click the title to read more.
New NASBLA Executive Director / CEO
After an extensive search spanning more than a year, the NASBLA Executive Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas E. Guess, CRBP, as the new NASBLA Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer. Click the title to read more.
Recademics Launches Free Boating Safety Refresher Course for All Boaters
Recademics, a new and innovative online education platform for boating safety education, is excited to announce the launch of its FREE Boating Safety Refresher Course. This comprehensive course is designed not only for boat operators but also for passengers, reinforcing the fact that boating safety is everyone’s responsibility. With this course, boaters can stay informed of the latest safety practices, regulations, and tips, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience on the water for all.
“We’re excited to see Recademics launch this free refresher course, which is perfect for boaters who took their certification years ago, are exempt from the requirement, or operate in states where boating education isn’t mandated,” said Peg Phillips, executive director for the National Safe Boating Council.
Click the title to read more!
The Sea Tow Foundation Launches New “Sober Skipper™: Why It Matters” Video Series
The Sea Tow Foundation™, a non-profit dedicated to boating safety, just launched its “Sober Skipper™: Why It Matters” video series. The goal of the series is to bring awareness to the importance of designating a Sober Skipper while on the water to help eliminate Boating Under the Influence (BUI) accidents. Click the title to watch the first video.
BoatUS Warns Boaters to be Wary of Letters Arriving Offering Renewal of USCG Documentation
Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is advising boaters with vessels that have a U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation to be wary of any letter arriving by U.S. mail offering renewal.
North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule
A Proposed Rule by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on January 16, 2025. Click the title to learn more.
He Lost his Arm to a Propeller, Now he’s Championing Safety with New Foundation
Following tragedy, Waves of Hope member Carter Viss now champions water safety with a new foundation. Click the title to read more.
FWC Launches New App to Ensure Boater Safety on the Water
FWC has launched a new app to ensure boater safety on the water. Click the title to learn more.
BoatUS Foundation’s Ted Sensenbrenner Appointed to National Boating Safety Advisory Committee
Ted Sensenbrenner, BoatUS Foundation Director of Boating Safety (and NSBC Instructor Trainer) has been appointed by Director of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas as a Representative to the National Boating Safety Advisory Committee (NBSAC). Congratulations, Ted! Click the title to read more.
Free Online Course Meets Brianna’s Law Requirement for New York Boaters
BoatUS Foundation’s Boating Safety Course can help state residents meet mandatory boating safety education deadline.
Registration Opens for ‘Turning the Tide Online’ Virtual Summit to Examine Solutions for Boating Industry-Generated Waste, Feb. 25-27
Registration is now open for the BoatUS Foundation’s “Turning the Tide Online” virtual summit, scheduled for February 25-27, 2025, with a focus on seeking and sharing responsible and sustainable disposal practices of boating-related waste. Early bird pricing of $50 for general admission, $25 for nonprofit and government employees, and $5 for students, is available to attendees who sign up before December 31. Register at BoatUS.org/turningthetide
AIWA Celebrates 25 Years at Annual Meeting; Faces New Challenges
The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association (AIWA), the guardian and champion of the 1,100-mile historic and vital waterway from Norfolk, Virginia, to Key West, Florida, celebrated its quarter century anniversary at the organization’s recent annual meeting in Charleston, South Carolina. Just 25 years ago, with shoaling threatening navigation, there was very little federal spending for dredging and harbor maintenance. Thanks to AIWA’s efforts, in just the past three years, more than $135 million has been allocated by Congress to maintain depths, improve navigation and support port infrastructure on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW).
From the USCG: New Life Jacket Standards to Replace Existing Legacy Standards
The U.S. Coast Guard has amended the approval requirements and follow-up program requirements for life jackets and personal flotation devices by incorporating new standards to replace existing legacy standards. Click the title to read more.
Deadline Extended for Speakers to Apply for BoatUS Turning the Tide Summit Feb. 25-27
The nonprofit BoatUS Foundation will host the first-ever “Turning the Tide Online” summit Feb. 25-27, 2025 to discuss sustainable boating-related waste management solutions and is calling for speakers to present. The goal of the summit is to join boaters, recyclers, marine professionals and waste management experts to find solutions and revolutionize best practices for responsible, sustainable boating-related waste removal and disposal. Topics include disposal of fiberglass, shrinkwrap, pyrotechnic flares, fishing gear, and debris caught in “trash interceptors” – culvert gates and floating trash receptacles that trap both recyclable and degraded plastics and marine debris. Speakers are also encouraged to share insights into how boating-related debris disposal challenges impact waters in underserved communities. The deadline for applications to serve as a speaker has been extended and is now December 10, 2024.
Visit the U.S. Coast Guard Newsroom
Your major links to the U.S. Coast Guard newsroom. Click the title to read more.