New Canadian Safe Boating Council Board Elected | | CSBC Board and guests May 2025 | | |
At the CSBC’s Annual General Meeting on May 21, 2025, the following slate of Directors and officers was elected:
Chair: Peter Heard
Vice Chair: Brenda Reeve
Treasurer: Joe Gatfield
Secretary: Ron Kroeker
Past Chair: Mike Dean
Executive members at large: John Gullick and Jean Murray
In addition, Mal Blann, Planning Chair, will be a regular invitee.
Returning Directors:
In addition to the above: Sean Arbour, Lili Colby, Chris Elliott*, Ian Gilson, Lisa Hanson Ouellette, Jason Krott, Michelle McShane, Dave Moffatt, Steve Wagner
*appointed by the Board to fill a vacancy during the 2024/2025 term.
Ex-officio observer: Allan Dennison, Chair, U.S. National Safe Boating Council
Directors Emeritus: Ted Fortuna and Michael Vollmer (CSBC Chair appointments)
CSBC Chair Mike Dean thanked all the CSBC Directors for their contribution and commitment, and warmly welcomed the new Directors. The CSBC is a volunteer-based organization, and our growth as an influential and successful boating safety organization is thanks to the hard work and dedication of our Board, Committee Chairs and project leaders. We are always interested in welcoming new volunteers to get involved in our activities to help us bring new ideas and perspectives to the boating safety challenges of today and tomorrow.
| | Profile of new CSBC Chair | | |
Incoming CSBC Chair Peter Heard is a retired member of the York Regional Police. During his 31 year career, he served in Uniform Patrol, Criminal Investigations and the Marine Unit. During the late 90s and early 2000s he served as an active member of the Marine Unit, which was a much smaller unit than it is today. During his last two years of service, he transferred from the Criminal Investigation Bureau and became the Officer in Charge of the Marine Unit. The Unit not only carried out strategic patrols of the lake, but also put an emphasis on community interaction with the boating community, local youth and new Canadians in order to promote key safety messages. Marine and cold-water training within the unit and elsewhere in the Service continued to be a priority as well.
Peter lives with his wife north of Toronto, where he has volunteered for the past twenty-five years with the Newmarket Power and Sail Squadron. He has served in a number of capacities including Executive Officer, Public Relations Officer, and Squadron Commander. Peter has taught a number of power squadron courses over the years and is currently one of Newmarket’s radio instructor/examiners.
Peter is also a recreational boater. Over the years, he and his wife have owned vessels that have included power, sail and paddle. He is a past member of the Humber Sailing Club, where he obtained his Sail Canada intermediate cruising standard qualifications. He continues to sail with friends on Lake Ontario.
| | CSBC Launches First-Ever Mission Ambassadors! | | |
We’re proud to introduce CSBC’s inaugural Mission Ambassadors—a passionate group of individuals helping to champion boating safety and inspire more Canadians to enjoy the water responsibly. Just as brand ambassadors represent a company, our mission ambassadors will champion CSBC’s vision in the community—spreading awareness, deepening engagement, and building meaningful connections that drive impact.
These ambassadors represent key areas of boating—paddling, sailing, and recreational boating—and are just the beginning. As we continue to grow, we plan to welcome more ambassadors to help us connect with even more boating communities across Canada. This first group brings a unique voice, deep expertise, and a strong, shared commitment to promoting safe and enjoyable experiences on the water.
Meet Our First Mission Ambassadors:
Steven Bull
General Boating
Owner of Water Ways TV, CBC Olympic sports reporter, television host, and comedian. www.youtube.com/waterWaysTV
Marybeth McLaughlin
Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Kayaking, and SUP Touring
Known as the “Paddle Adventurer,” Marybeth is a digital content creator, videographer, and marketing professional.
www.paddleadventurer.com
Christina Scheuermann (aka Camper Christina)
Canoeing & Wilderness Canoe Camping
Outdoor adventure influencer, blogger, and wilderness presenter inspiring thousands through her authentic backcountry journeys.
https://www.instagram.com/camperchristina
Alex Byczko
Sailing
Toronto-based sailing coach, instructor, photographer, and social media personality
https://www.instagram.com/grandfromage33
Each of these ambassadors will help extend our reach, share their stories, and connect with communities to foster a more engaged and informed network of boating advocates.
We’re thrilled to have them on board—and excited for what’s ahead!
Together, we’re navigating toward a safer future on the water.
| CSBC welcomes Ambassadors Alex Byczko (4th from left), Marybeth McLaughlin (5th from left) and Steven Bull (6th from left) | National Safe Boating Awareness Week 2025 | | |
National Safe Boating Awareness Week took place from May 17 to May 23, 2025. Canada's love of boating is stronger than ever, with over 16 million Canadians taking to the waterways for recreational enjoyment. The CSBC and its many partners held events across the country to promote safe and responsible boating practices, highlighting five key boating safety messages:
- Wear Your Lifejacket
- Boat Sober
- Be Prepared, You and Your Vessel
- Take a Boating Course
- Be Cold Water Safe
This year, the focus was on the importance of always wearing your lifejacket. The CSBC believes that lifejackets/PFDs should be worn by any person (all ages), on board any pleasure craft (power, sail, and human-powered) while underway.
Throughout Safe Boating Awareness Week, the CSBC collaborates with boating and water safety groups, relying on Canadian media to amplify these critical safety messages.
“Safe boating isn't just a week-long focus - it's a year-round commitment. Whether it's a leisurely cruise or a thrilling adventure, always wear your lifejacket and ensure everyone on board does too” – Peter Heard, Chair, Canadian Safe Boating Council
“Sailing is a pleasure and a privilege. Make sure you are trained, have all required safety equipment on board, respect other users on the water, and protect the environment” - Josée Côté, Directrice Générale/General Manager, Nautisme Québec
“When people think about driving impaired, they think about a car on the road. But operating a boat while impaired is just as dangerous and illegal” – Tanya Hansen Pratt, National President, MADD Canada
“We know that time spent outdoors is good for us, both physically and mentally. Outdoor activity continues to thrive, especially in paddling, and it is important for new and seasoned paddlers to be safe while enjoying their time on the water” - Michelle McShane, Executive Director, Paddle Canada
Safe Boating Awareness Week is a flagship event for the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC), a registered charity, with support from its members, partners, and Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety.
For additional information on boating safety, visit www.csbc.ca or www.BetterBoater.ca.
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As you’re out on the water this summer, keep your eyes open for people who go above and beyond in their contribution to boating safety, and nominate them for a Canadian Safe Boating Award (CASBA). The next awards ceremony will take place on Sunday January 18, 2026 at the National Yacht Club, Stadium Road in Toronto. Go to CASBAS Nomination Form – Canadian Safe Boating Council to learn more. Nominations close October 31, 2025.
| | CSBC Symposium Kingston: Solutions Through Partnerships: Charting a Course for Marine Safety | | |
Join us this September for the CSBC Symposium in historic and hip Kingston, Ontario! Canada’s first capital, one of its oldest cities, home to 22 National Historic Sites, including Fort Henry and Kingston Penitentiary, part of the Rideau Canal/Kingston Fortifications UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fresh-water sailing capital of North America/host city of the 1976 Olympic Sailing competitions, and proud waterfront city, Kingston is a boater’s paradise! Located where Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, and the Rideau Canal meet, Kingston has fantastic restaurants, beautiful waterfront walks, a relaxed vibe, and so much more. Join other safe boating professionals as we learn, network, and explore during Symposium 2025!
We hope to see you in Kingston to:
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Network with a diverse group of like-minded stakeholders
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Gain valuable insights from experts navigating issues in recreational boating
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Engage in dynamic discussions on innovative safe boating initiatives
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Collaborate and problem-solve to overcome challenges and chart a course forward
Date: September 23-25, 2025
Registration Information – REGISTER ONLINE Annual Symposium – Registration – Canadian Safe Boating Council
Cost is $395/person and includes full access to the symposium, opening reception, two breakfasts, two lunches, the closing banquet and a special offsite networking tour of the Kingston Marine Museum.
Hotel Information – Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront Enjoy a special rate of $195/night!
Sneak Peek at this year’s speakers:
We are pleased to welcome back Richard Wasson, Community Safety Lead, His Majesty’s Coastguard. Richard was a popular speaker at our Symposium in St John’s in 2023. This year he will share successful stakeholder collaboration and developments happening in the UK.
We will host a panel comprised of different law enforcement agencies to share their successes in educating the recreational boating community.
Other speakers will include representatives from Sail Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, the Royal Canadian Navy and more!
| | Weather to Boat (WTB) App Discontinued – Looking to the Future | | |
We regret to inform you that the CSBC’s Weather to Boat (WTB) app has been discontinued.
For years, the WTB app has been a trusted resource for boaters, providing real-time marine weather, buoy data, and essential safety information to help them make informed decisions on the water. Originally developed with funding from Public Safety Canada as part of a three-year project, the app continued to operate for an additional two years beyond the funding period.
However, due to several challenges—including increasing maintenance costs, ongoing technical issues, and changes in marine weather data availability—we can no longer support the app’s functionality.
While the app is no longer available, the WTB website (www.weathertoboat.ca) will remain online to provide safety and weather-related resources for boaters.
We strongly believe that boaters deserve access to accurate, real-time weather and safety information. That’s why we are actively exploring ways to bring back an improved version in the future.
If you or your organization are interested in supporting or sponsoring efforts to revive and enhance the WTB app, we would love to hear from you.
Thank you for your support and understanding!
| Boaters’ Handbook: Your Go-to Guide for Safe Navigation within the Port of Vancouver | |
Navigating Vancouver's busy harbour just got safer and easier thanks to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s new Boaters' Handbook. The handbook is the ultimate reference—and a one-stop shop—for essential safety information, from how to operate within confined and restrictive waterways, to the radio channels to monitor and speed limits to follow throughout the port authority’s jurisdiction. Whether you're boating or paddling in Burrard Inlet or the Fraser River, the Boaters’ handbook is your go-to to stay safe, informed, and enjoy your time on the water this summer. Access the Boaters’ Handbook today on the port authority’s website.
To receive the latest information on boating safety within the waters of the Port of Vancouver, including handbook updates, subscribe to the port authority's newsletter here.
| | Congratulations to Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht, who was appointed to the Order of Manitoba on July 17. The Order celebrates Manitobans who have demonstrated excellence and achievement, thereby enriching the social, cultural or economic wellbeing of the Province and its residents. Gord is a retired University of Manitoba professor and a leading authority on hypothermia, ice safety and cold water immersion survival. The CSBC has benefitted from a longstanding partnership with Dr. Giesbrecht in the delivery of cold water training. Cold Water Workshops – Canadian Safe Boating Council | | | | |
