The Sea Tow Foundation, in collaboration with its Boating Safety Advisory Council, announced this year’s winners of the National Boating Safety Awards. The awards highlight exceptional safety efforts and initiatives led by the for-profit sector of the boating industry.
The awards were presented Oct. 8 during IBEX, the boating industry’s annual trade show. The recipients were recognized for their approaches and commitments to creating safer experiences for boaters.
The Sea Tow Foundation announced the winners in eight categories.
Top Marine Manufacturer Award
The highest distinction in the awards went to Pursuit Boats for its Confidence on the Water program. In partnership with the Chapman School of Seamanship, Pursuit developed the two-day course to educate owners on safety and proper boat handling. Every new Pursuit owner and up to three additional participants can take the course free of charge with the purchase of a new boat.
Community Boating and Education Program Award
This award went to Freedom Boat Club for its Expanded Member Safety Training: Virtual + On-Water Orientation Program. Within 12 months of launch, the club grew its training by 120 percent. Causeway Marine earned Honorable Mention for partnering with Safety First Boating School to host New Jersey’s mandatory Boating Safety Certificate Courses in its showroom.
Gear, Equipment & Accessories Manufacturer Award
Garmin won this award for its Safe Boating Campaign. The company utilized blogs, e-blasts and presentations to promote safety messaging around National Safe Boating Week. Garmin also partnered with The Qualified Captain, Katie Sawyer, and Clay Cowart, reaching 1.7 million followers through social media giveaways and outreach.
Marine Retailer Award
This year’s award went to Strong’s Marine for its Women on the Water Series. Through this program, the company empowered women to feel safe and confident on the water.
Marine Trade Association Award
The award was presented to the National Marine Manufacturers Association for its Discover Boating video series, produced in partnership with Progressive Insurance. This series fills critical knowledge gaps for boaters of all experience levels, covering such topics s kids on board, preseason prep, float plans, life jackets and sound signals. The multichannel campaign — spanning YouTube, social media, email, website features, CTV, PSAs and boat show promotions — set the standard for boating-safety outreach.
Media Outlet Award
This award went to the “Bob’s No Wake Zone Boating Radio Show,” which has aired for 15 years with more than 780 shows and 3,000 guest interviews. The featured episode, “Revival of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary at Lake of the Ozarks,” exemplifies the show’s ongoing commitment to advancing boating safety throughout the Lake of the Ozarks region.
PR, Marketing & Advertising Consultant or Agency Award
The award went to Hammer and Nail Marketing for its “Boater Safety is Good Business” campaign. The agency consistently integrates boating safety messaging into its weekly marketing newsletters and social media content for marinas, covering such topics as life jackets, sober boating, CPR training and the importance of safety education.
Social Media Influencer Award
The winner was BoatClass for its Organic Social Media Safety & Instruction video series. With beginner-friendly videos, BoatClass makes safety easy to understand and enjoyable to learn. By turning social media into a digital classroom, BoatClass delivers short, dynamic lessons that inspire boaters to practice safe and confident boating.
The nonprofit Sea Tow Foundation was started in 2007 by Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer, founder of Sea Tow Services International. Through its flagship programs, which include the Life Jacket Loaner Program, Sober Skipper Campaign, Flare Education and the National Boating Safety Awards, the foundation strives for a community of safe and responsible boaters.
