Safety may not grab headlines the way that horsepower and hull design do, but it does quietly power our sport. That’s because safety isn’t just a set of rules and requirements. Every safe decision we make on the water protects lives and the lifestyle itself. When boaters practice safety—wearing life jackets, maintaining equipment, learning navigation rules and respecting traffic—they build trust and confidence. And that confidence fuels participation. People are more likely to get on the water, bring their families and invest in boating when they know it’s a managed, mindful environment.
That’s why organizations devoted to boating safety play such an essential role in sustaining our sport’s momentum. One standout is the Sea Tow Foundation, a nonprofit established by Sea Tow Services International in Southold, New York. You may know the foundation through two of its nationwide initiatives, the Sober Skipper Campaign and the Life Jacket Loaner Program, which is now in more than 1,300 locations where people can borrow a life jacket free of charge.
I’ve been especially impressed with the foundation’s efforts to grow its National Boating Safety Awards. They recognize companies that make safety a core part of their culture.
The awards were launched in 2019 to encourage the recreational marine industry to lead by example. Seven years later, they’ve gained traction and visibility. “We’ve seen more companies applying for the awards, and we’ve added more categories to the contest,” says Gail Kulp, the foundation’s executive director. “We’re always looking for new ways to work with the industry and encourage it to promote safety.”
Each time a company wins an award, it shares the news with its customer base, spreading messages about safety. “Through the awards, we have the ability to reach more people,” says Kulp. “As a result, safety becomes a part of the everyday conversation on the docks.”
It’s interesting that a number of the foundation’s 2025 honorees found creative ways to make boating education more engaging. New York-based Strong’s Marine was recognized for its Women on the Water series, which gives females skippers the chance to connect with each other while getting hands-on practice. Pursuit Boats took an award for Confidence on the Water, a program the builder developed with the Chapman School of Seamanship. In addition to general navigation, participants learn handling techniques specific to the Pursuit models they own.
Freedom Boat Club’s Member Safety Training course was also acknowledged. This hybrid class combines virtual lessons with on-water orientation. The course has been so popular that growth in participation jumped 120 percent in just one year, according to the company.
This kind of innovation is key, says Kulp, because every time a company invests in safety training or promotes responsible boating, it invests in the longevity of our sport.
“These businesses are helping more people get on the water and have fun safely,” she says. “And that’s the ultimate goal.”
Jeanne Craig jeanne.craig@firecrown.com
January 2026
