How is this mystery plane contributing to safety on the water? Answer at end of the newsletter.

Canadian Safe Boating Council Virtual Symposium 2021: Welcome to new boaters: how can we help?

We have all seen the explosive growth of boating during the COVID era. Our waterways are busier, with many new boaters looking to get out on the water and enjoy the boating experience, in a COVID-safe activity. Many of these new boaters don’t know what they don’t know and this year’s CSBC Virtual Symposium on October 1 shone a light on how we in the boating community can support new boaters and keep the boating experience safe and enjoyable for everyone.

The 85 registered Symposium participants came from across Canada, the United States and New Zealand. Joe Gatfield, CSBC Chair, welcomed all of the delegates; we hope you will continue to be part of the CSBC family by becoming a CSBC member or by following us on social media.

With Ted Rankine, Playsafe Productions, stepping in to replace John Gullick as our capable MC, we heard from the following contributors, with participants also having the opportunity to engage with them and each other in the chat function. Presentations will be posted on the CSBC website when available, in their original language.

                                    

“Great presentations by Sgt Pick and Sgt Voyer. It is apparent that the same issues are all across the country for all enforcement personnel.”

“Seamless and very professional presentation.”

90% of the respondents said the Symposium met or exceeded their expectations. Overall, the relevance and quality of presentations were rated good or very good by 90-95% of participants. Virtually 100% said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the symposium’s virtual “process”.  Nearly everyone said they would participate in a CSBC Symposium again.

If you act right away, it’s not too late to register for the last of the CSBC’s Virtual Cold Water Workshops for this year, to be held on Tuesday November 23 and Thursday November 25, from 8.30 – 1030 p.m. Eastern time. Join Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht (aka Professor Popsicle) and North American and international colleagues to learn everything you need to know about how to survive an accidental cold water immersion and how to help others who may have become hypothermic. 

At a cost of $75 for five hours of instruction, available wherever you are via Zoom, this is a great deal! Participants will receive a certificate of completion. If you’re a first responder, work or just spend time recreating on or near cold water, this workshop is for you! To register, click here: Cold Water Workshops (csbc.ca)

The Canadian Safe Boating Council relies on the hard work and commitment of our volunteers, directors and other partners to facilitate the operation of our organization and to deliver our safety programs and events. This year, we had a tremendous response to the call for nominations. Many of our recipients received multiple nominations for the same award. The annual Volunteer Recognition Award winners were announced by CSBC Chair Joe Gatfield at the CSBC virtual Board meeting on October 7. The Chair also presented a number of Letters of Appreciation for the dedicated work completed by the 2020 Symposium Committee. Congratulations and many thanks to this year’s award winners for their tremendous contribution to the Canadian Safe Boating Council.

Distinguished Service Citation - In grateful recognition of your extraordinary leadership over the past several years in securing sponsorships and your valued contribution to the management and financial sustainability of the CSBC as a Director and Member of the Executive Committee

Certificate of Merit - In recognition of your professionalism, competence and commitment to the CSBC and boating safety through your involvement as Chair of the Nominating Committee and your continued dedicated work in so many vital areas of our organization

Certificate of Merit - In recognition of your leadership in developing and providing the CSBC virtual cold water training products that have resulted in increased reach and influence for the organization, and furthering the CSBC boating safety mission.

Certificate of Merit - In recognition of your diligence and teamwork in successfully producing the CSBC’s first Virtual Symposium 2020

Certificate of Merit - In recognition of your diligence and teamwork in successfully producing the CSBC’s first Virtual Symposium 2020

Certificate of Service – In grateful recognition of your 5 years of distinguished volunteer service as a CSBC Director

Certificate of Service – In grateful recognition of your 4 years of distinguished volunteer service as a CSBC Director

Certificate of Service - In grateful recognition of your 2 years of distinguished volunteer service as a CSBC Director

Letter of Appreciation (from the Chair) – Presented to members of the 2020 Symposium Committee who had to immediately change course from an in-person event to CSBC’s first ever virtual symposium. All members of the Committee contributed greatly to this event as they overcame all technical and logistical challenges to host a successful, professionally produced, international event.  

The U.S. National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) held its Annual Meeting on September 26. Although it was an in-person meeting, I was able to attend virtually as the Chair of the CSBC. This year there was a change in leadership. I would like to thank Stu Gilfillen for his commitment to the NSBC and safe and responsible boating in the U.S. (and worldwide) not only for the past two years but the many years he has been involved. CSBC and NSBC maintain a very good relationship under a Memorandum of Understanding that provides for collaboration in multiple areas. I look forward to continuing that bond with newly elected Chair Robert Newsome. Congratulations Robert and thank you Stu.

Did you know that you can direct your United Way Campaign donation to any registered Canadian charity? Please consider donating to the Canadian Safe Boating Council; our registration number is 875659864RR0001.

Preparations are underway for the Fall 2021 National CMAC meeting that will take place from Tuesday, November 23 – Friday, December 2, 2021. Information will be added to the Transport Canada CMAC Webpage as it becomes available

This aircraft, a Savage Cub, along with a Cessna 172, also on floats, are performing a CSBC lifejacket wear rate study in 4 large inland lake areas in south and central Ontario. As part of the Research That Floats project, supported by Public Safety Canada under the New SAR Initiatives (NIF) contribution program, these planes are recording boats and people (with and without lifejackets on) from the air. This work will form a baseline study of lifejacket wear rates sorted by boat types and sizes, on-water activities and gender and approximate age of those aboard.

This photograph (staged to protect privacy) demonstrates the bird’s eye point of view for the study. Note the ability to not just SEE lifejackets being worn but to also be able to identify what style and type. Can you see the pouch inflatable ? Our aerial observation teams can !!