CSBC Newsletter - April 2021 |
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In This Issue
- Message from the Chair
- AGM Notice
- Safe Boating Awareness Week 2021
- CSBC Membership: Now More Than Ever!
- Cold Water Workshops
- Canadian Safe Boating Awards
- CSBC Symposium
- U.S. Coast Guard Mandates Engine Cut-off Switches
- Boats We Love
- In brief
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Here we are just over a year after I wrote to you that we were in difficult times with the COVID-19 pandemic and we are still here with the consequences it has brought upon us. Every one of us has adapted to a different life in our personal, business and volunteer surroundings. I am proud to say that the Canadian Safe Boating Council has been able to continue to deliver on our mandate of promoting safe and responsible boating. As volunteers, it would have been easy to step aside from our responsibilities for a period of time, but that did not happen. Adjust…change… redirect... all done to meet our mandate. Your CSBC has not missed a heartbeat in the last 13 months, thanks to the many volunteers steering our ship in what I would refer to as uncharted waters.
The timing of this newsletter is excellent as it gives me a very public forum to say thanks to the CSBC Board and the many volunteers that have ensured the CSBC maintains its mandate delivering the programs and maintaining the administration of the organization. The week of April 18-24 is National Volunteer Week and I would like to express to my colleagues and the many we work with a heartfelt Thank You!
Virtual….a word and world we knew about, but it became a real part of our daily lives a year ago. The CSBC has embraced ‘Virtual’ as well as anyone or any other organization. We meet virtually, we presented the Safe Boating Awareness Week in 2020 virtually, our Symposium was done in the same manner and we now offer Cold Water Workshops virtually. Our social media messages are prominent and reaching wide audiences. Overall, I would estimate we have had more direct contact within our programs in the past year than possibly in the past, through the efforts of our committee chairs and the many volunteers delivering each of these programs. We will continue with this method of presentation until such time we can assess being back face to face or a combination suitable to the program.
Many of you have renewed your Membership as an individual, an organization or corporation and we thank you for your support….it is greatly appreciated. For those that may not have renewed as yet, our doors are open and we welcome your renewal.
Please make note of the Canadian Safe Boating Awards (CASBAs)….it is your nominations that make these awards successful….we certainly hope to be back in person in 2022. There is much more to read and digest in this Newsletter from the various departments and programs that are ongoing. As always, if you have any thoughts, ideas or suggestions, they are welcome. I can be reached at [email protected].
Keep well and stay safe as we continue our journey through these uncharted waters…..hoping to see our destination soon.
Keep well and stay safe.
Joe
Joe Gatfield
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Due to the ongoing uncertainties associated with the Coronavirus, and in order to comply with provincial government and health guidelines at the time of this notice, as well as doing our own part to keep everyone safe, the virtual Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Safe Boating Council will take place in accordance with the Not-for-Profit Act (Section 159.4) on May 19, 2021 at 1300 hours, using electronic telecommunications.
The meeting is open to all but voting will be restricted to current CSBC members. The meeting will address several subjects that include a report on activities accomplished in the past year as well as the election of new officers.
The electronic link to the meeting (via Zoom) will be sent to you under separate cover once we have received your intent to attend. In order to assist us in organizing this meeting, please advise the CSBC Secretary, Ron Kroeker, by email ([email protected]) of your intent to participate, no later than May 12.
We encourage you to join us to hear highlights from CSBC’s 2020’s operations and how we are responding to the challenges that lie ahead.
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Safe Boating Awareness Week May 22 – 28, 2021 |
The Canadian Safe Boating Campaign and in particular the launch of Safe Boating Awareness Week (SBAW) will look different this year. Respecting current COVID-19 health and safety restrictions SBAW will not have its customary in-person launch events, but rather capitalize on social media opportunities to effectively reach out to all boaters across Canada.
The focus of the CSBC’s national outreach activities will be to create a stand-alone mini-information web site, offering the media information to include in their own newsfeeds along with an introduction to regional boating safety spokespeople. The spokespeople will be representatives from boating safety organizations, enforcement, and government agencies and, of course, key members of the CSBC. Through pre-recorded Zoom interviews, the media will be provided with relevant boating safety information from a local point of view. The media will have the ability to either package interviews into their own news feeds or conduct their own Zoom interviews through direct contact with the CSBC spokespeople.
The CSBC’s regional approach is partnership-focused, supporting CSBC’s members, boating safety agencies, associations and individuals who want to conduct their own activities. A SBAW mini site will be available, containing a variety of materials (to either copy or download) providing safety advocates with plenty of information to share with their own constituents and conduct their own media outreach.
If your organization is interested in participating with us on the new CSBC SBAW activities or our other CSBC campaigns throughout the entire summer, we would love to hear from you. Please contact John McMullen at [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> to explore opportunities.
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CSBC Membership: Now More Than Ever |
The past year witnessed a significant increase in the number of boaters and especially new boaters of all types – power, sail and human powered vessels. 2021 will no doubt be the same. Helping you and others stay safe on the water becomes even more important.
Through our many worthwhile programs and products we are confident that the CSBC is having a positive impact on the behaviour of recreational boaters and on the number of boating-related incidents and drownings. But we can’t do it without your support!
And remember, all CSBC members qualify for the special discount of 40% off Coleman products and Stearns lifejackets. Visit our Membership Benefits Guide at the same link as above for information and exciting 2021 products and prices.
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Canadian Safe Boating Awards (CASBAs) |
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The next Canadian Safe Boating Awards event will not be held until January 2022, and we will have two years of accomplishments to celebrate! This summer, when you are out on the water, keep an eye open for people who are making a significant contribution to boating safety, and send us a nomination anytime. Go to Nomination Form (csbc.ca) for more information, including the award categories.
For inspiration, or just to feel good about the incredible contributions members of our Canadian boating community have made to help keep us all safe on the water and to protect the marine environment, check out our video below or at https://csbc.ca/en/events/casbas. |
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We missed the opportunity to get together in person with our CSBC family last year, but holding
the 2020 Shared Waterways Symposium virtually allowed us to reach out to more attendees from across Canada and internationally. The Summary Report is now available together with copies of all the presentations.
Over the past year COVID restrictions have led to an explosion of boating activity, as more and more people discover the joy of boating in a healthy and physically distanced environment. At our 2021 Virtual Symposium, explore with us some of the boating safety issues that arise as we welcome new boaters to our community – and favourite activity! Mark your calendars for Friday, October 1, 1230 - 1545 EDT, for the CSBC Virtual Symposium 2021! The theme is: Welcome to new boaters: how can we help? Plan to join us!
Already confirmed are two of our most popular international speakers: Baz Kirk, Manager, Sector Engagement and Collaboration, Maritime New Zealand and Verne Gifford, Chief of the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division.
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U.S. Coast Guard Mandates Engine Cut-off Switches |
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Operators of recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length will be required to use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) and associated ECOS link (ECOSL) as of April 1, 2021, as the U.S. Coast Guard implements a law passed by Congress.
The ECOS and ECOSL prevent runaway vessels and the threats they pose. The ECOSL attaches the vessel operator to a switch that shuts off the engine if the operator is displaced from the helm. The ECOSL is usually a lanyard-style cord that attaches to an ECOS either in close proximity to the helm or on the outboard motor itself if the vessel is operated by a tiller. When enough tension is applied, the ECOSL disengages from the ECOS and the motor is automatically shut down. Wireless ECOS have recently been developed and are also approved for use. These devices use an electronic “fob” that is carried by the operator and senses when it is submerged in water, activating the ECOS and turning the engine off. Wireless devices are available on the aftermarket and are beginning to become available as manufacturer-installed options.
Each year the U.S. Coast Guard receives reports of recreational vessel operators who fall or are suddenly and unexpectedly thrown out of their boat. These events have led to injuries and deaths. During these incidents the boat continues to operate with no one in control of the vessel, leaving the operator stranded in the water as the boat continues on course, or the boat begins to circle the person in the water eventually striking them, often with the propeller. These dangerous runaway vessel situations put the ejected operator, other users of the waterway, and marine law enforcement officers and other first responders in serious danger.
A Canadian vessel temporarily in U.S. waters does not have to comply with this requirement.
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Boats We Love
Conceived during the initial dark days of the COVID-19 restrictions, this is an ongoing series in which CSBC Directors and project leaders share what they love about boats and boating. We are all a community, committed to staying safe on the water together.
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Cheryl Gallagher, Project Manager, Playsafe Productions |
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My husband is an avid fisherman and as a family we really enjoy fishing and exploring lakes in the Kawarthas. Our first boat, 30+ years ago, was a canoe. We soon moved up to a little ‘tinny’. The first time I joined my husband at a boat show, we came home with a brand-new Tracker bass boat. I drove the Tracker occasionally over the 10 years we had it. After visiting another boat show together, we brought home a new Triton. I named her Dorothy (Wizard of Oz) because of her sparkly, ruby red colour. I love the Triton and drive it a lot. But my true ‘dream boat’ is a Ranger Comanche. With its stunning looks I know how good I would feel (and look!!) at the helm. So good, there might even be a ‘debate’ on who would do all the driving. Hence why I am not allowed to go to boat shows with my husband anymore (as we may come home with one). |
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Stephanie Rankine, Project Manager, Playsafe Productions |
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Ever since I was a little girl, I have been on the water! Spending time with friends and family on various types of boats! I grew up on a lake and to this day, still live on a lake, which has allowed me many beautiful moments spent on the water! Although my boating experiences have shifted from power boats to human powered boats, I still love getting out with friends and family to paddle winding rivers and quiet canals. I bought my standup paddle board at the beginning of summer 2020, when three of my closest girlfriends thought it would be the best way to spend time together! Turns out our little standup paddle board posse of 4 turned into quite a few more, including some doggos! We spent early mornings on the water before the wind caused ripples to turn into waves rolling across the bay. We spent time standing up on our boards, as if we were paddling to get somewhere and we have spent time sitting down on our boards, relaxing and laughing, creating endless memories together.
My standup paddle board has become so much more than a “boat” to take me onto the water. It has connected me to friends, both new and old, and has opened up the opportunity to explore various inlets and protected bays around Ontario. My standup paddle board has been something that gets me excited and inspired to get outside, to experience nature and find clarity for myself in times when life feels foggy. Who would have thought that a little summertime purchase would have turned into the Boat I Love?
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