Recreational Boating Safety (RBS)

Program Visitation

The Power Squadrons and Coast Guard Auxiliary share a common goal – Boating Safety

Joint commitment to a key community outreach program – Vessel Safety Checks

Mutual vision

A key element of the Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) outreach effort

Promotes safe boating through local businesses, offices, and marine dealerships

Distributes safety-related brochures, training opportunities, and Vessel Safety Check information

What is Program Visitation?

Save lives and property Increase public awareness of the organization

Enhance the organization’s imageRecruit new members

Program benefits

Recruit partner facilities for education programs

Promote other programs:◦America’s Boating Course◦Boating education programs◦Seminars◦Vessel Safety Checks

Program benefits

Program VisitorsProgram PartnersRecreational boating public

Key Program Elements

Critical to a successful program Specially trained and certified member

Very knowledgeable about organization’s missions, recreational boating safety, and the U.S. Coast Guard

Program Visitor

Program Visitor is an:◦Educator◦Good will ambassador◦Recruiter◦Salesperson◦Source of information

Program Visitor

Make a commitmentBe assigned a mentorStudy the manual and materialPass the examConduct supervised visitsReceive a certificationMaintain currency

Becoming a Program Visitor

Program Partners

Businesses that volunteer to assist with distributing RBS literature

Allow the display of literature display racks in their establishments

Program Partners

MarinasBait shopsBoat rampsRepair stationsBoating supply stores

Traditional Partners

Doctor’s officesGrocery storesGas stationsCoffee shopsHardware storesThe list is as good as you make it!

Non-traditional Partners

Initial contact◦Know the potential partner before you contact them

◦Understand the partner’s needs◦Know what materials are applicable to the partner

◦Wear appropriate attire

Developing Partners

Explain the benefits of participation Provide a professional display of

materials Service them regularly Be reliable and available, when

needed Stress commitment to boating

safety

Developing Partners

Find a good spot for the display box◦Using the display promotes the organization’s programs and missions

◦Promote boating safety events like National Boating Safety Week

◦Promote boater classes, vessel safety check events, and membership

Developing Partners

Consists of:◦Vessel Safety

Check information◦Life jacket wear◦State and local

boating handouts ◦Information about

classes & vessel safety check events

Literature

Get a professional

photo of the new box

Enhance Boating Safety image with public

Stay current on information and programs of interest

Provide closer contact with the Program Visitor for answers to questions

Program Partners benefits

Recreational Boating Public

Source: USCG Imagery: http://www.uscgboating.org/gallery/default.aspx

Enhances public educationBetter awareness of federal, state and local safety requirements

Awareness of organization’s missions and services

Understand boat owner’s and operator’s responsibilities

Program contribution

Vast, untapped resource2010 statistics indicate there are:◦82 million adult Americans participating in recreational boating

◦12.7 million boats registered in the United States

Program benefits

Participation in the RBS Program Visitation program enhances recreational boating safety by:◦Increasing contact with the public

◦Broadening distribution of boating safety information

Summary

It has been a pleasure meeting with you.

Thank You