February 2024

CSBC NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2024

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In this issue


  • Message from the Chair
  • Canadian Safe Boating Awards (CASBAs)
  • Last Call: Virtual Cold Water Workshop
  • CSBC Membership - Time to Renew
  • Symposium 2024: Whistler
  • In Brief 

Message from the Chair

The Canadian Safe Boating Council recently gathered in Toronto to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Canadian Safe Boating Awards. The Canadian Safe Boating Awards have truly become a beacon of recognition for outstanding contributions to boating safety and environmental stewardship.


Over the years, we’ve witnessed countless special moments – stories of dedication, courage and innovation that have left a permanent mark on the Canadian boating community.


Each recipient demonstrated exceptional dedication to the cause of safe boating, and their accomplishments serve as inspiration to us all. Together, we are making a meaningful impact on the boating community.


Congratulations to all the award winners and nominees - we applaud your commitment, passion, and the positive difference you've made. The awards are a testament to the collective power of our shared vision, and I look forward to witnessing the continued success and growth of the Canadian Safe Boating Council


The Board also had a chance to kick off 2024 with our first Board meeting of the year.


The energy and enthusiasm in the room were contagious, and I left the meeting feeling more excited about our future than ever before. The thoughtful discussions and innovative ideas that were shared have undoubtedly set the stage for some remarkable achievements ahead.


I believe in the collective strength of our team, and I am truly grateful to be surrounded by such talented and dedicated individuals. Their commitment to excellence and passion for our shared goals are what make our journey together so extraordinary.

All the best,


Mike Dean

Canadian Safe Boating Awards (CASBAs)

With thanks to Andy Adams for his excellent photos.

The 2023 Canadian Safe Boating Awards (CASBAs) were held on Sunday, Jan 21 at the National Yacht Club in Toronto. This year was the 25th gala event and the Canadian Safe Boating Council, its members and stakeholders in recreational boating safety assembled to honour the people, programs, organizations and marinas that help to make boating in Canada safer and better for all of us, and to keep the environment clean.


The CSBC is proud to announce the following winners of this year’s 9 CASBA Awards.  

Marine Professional of the Year


Sgt. Dave Moffatt as the Provincial Marine and ATV Coordinator for the Ontario Provincial Police, responsible for training the OPP’s 380 marine officers along with those from municipal police services, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests and First Nation band constables. He is responsible for 170 vessels within Ontario

Top Volunteer Dedicated to Boating Safety


Robert Parke for the incredible number of years he has dedicated to the development of educational boating safety programs with the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron, Western Ontario District.

Rescue of the Year


D-crew GAMRU South Shore Search and Rescue: Owen Evans, Ben Cosman, Brent Dawson, Sandy Osborne and Jeffrey Stamper


For the rescue of 8 people in two separate boating incidents that occurred at the same time on July 24 on Lake Ontario, near Stoney Creek.

Best Boating Safety Initiative


America’s Boating Channel for their strong YouTube channel that offers boating safety and boater education videos. Its programming strategy is to place boating safety and boater education messages adjacent to more highly viewed entertainment content to encourage sampling of the boating safety content.

Visible PFD/Lifejacket Wear in Advertising


Mustang Survival for using their 55+ years of experience building survival equipment and leveraging their community of influence to develop material to help educate and inform recreational boaters about marine safety and lifejacket best practices.

Best Media Contribution to Boating Safety


Steve Bull – Waterways TV for the promotion of boating safety through storytelling around his boating adventures.

Special Recognition


Marybeth McLaughlin for her dedication and promotion of positive paddling safety tips through her YouTube channel.

Special Recognition


Gatineau Police Service for their work and dedication to promotion of safe recreational boating with an emphasis on education and prevention while patrolling the waterways around our Nation’s Capital.

Lifetime Achievement


Ted Rankine for his contribution and many roles in the CASBAs over the past 25 years.

The CASBA Gala recognizes the efforts of the public, volunteers, professionals, agencies and organizations who have distinguished themselves in the fields of boating safety and environmental stewardship. Each CASBA event has shared amazing stories of bravery, innovation, passion and dedication.


The CSBC would like to thank our sponsors, without whom the CASBAs would not be possible:


  • Gold Sponsor – The Cook-Rees Memorial Fund
  • Silver Sponsor – Salus Marine
  • Silver Sponsor – Maple Leaf Marinas
  • Silver Sponsor – Ontario Power Generation
  • Bronze Sponsor – Mustang Survival

 

For additional information on the 2023 CASBAs winners, future events and boating safety information, please visit www.csbc.ca.


And don’t forget to mark your calendars for next year’s CASBAs, to be held at the National Yacht Club in Toronto on January 19, 2024! 

Last Call: Winter Cold Water Workshops

The last of this winter’s Virtual Cold Water Workshops is coming up from 8:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday March 12 and Thursday March 14. Learn from renowned cold water and thermophysiology expert Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht how cold water immersion affects the body and what to do if you or someone else falls into the water. Register at Cold Water Workshops (csbc.ca)

CSBC Membership – Time to Renew

Our mission is to promote safe and responsible recreational boating throughout Canada. We know we are making a difference, and that’s because of your support. The number of boaters continues to grow. So has the need for the highly-regarded programs provided by the CSBC – such as Better Boater, STARTboating, Rental Boat Safety, Safe Boating Awareness Week, Cold Water Awareness and more (www.csbc.ca). But these programs are only possible with your support.


Please renew your 2024 membership in the CSBC today. The corporate/group membership fee is $250, the individual membership $75. If you are a member, please consider renewing now. If you are not a member, we need your support if we are to continue delivering CSBC’s many worthwhile programs. Go to https://csbc.ca/en/about-us/membership

Symposium 2024 Whistler, British Columbia

Mark your calendar now and plan to join us at the next CSBC Symposium from October 1 – 3, 2024 at the Hilton Whistler Resort and Conference Centre in beautiful British Columbia. Previous CSBC Symposiums in Whistler have always been popular; they offer the serenity of beautiful mountain scenery, conducive to thoughtful exploration of boating safety topics and relaxed networking. At the same time, the backdrop of the stunning B.C. coast and year-round orientation to the water make marine safety top of mind, and bring extensive local expertise to discussions. Join us in Whistler to explore new perspectives and make new friends!


With the theme of Many partners, one goal, Whistler 2024 offers for a great learning experience that will include:

  • Boating safety with a British Columbia focus
  • Sharing learning and perspectives with international experts
  • Exploring boating safety challenges and solutions in a collaborative environment
  • Learning, networking, energy, and fun!


More details to follow, in the newsletter and on our website. www.csbc.ca

In Brief

The Canadian Coast Guard is recruiting! Go to Live the experience of a lifetime every day (ccg-gcc.gc.ca) to learn more.

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