PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SEA TOW FOUNDATION
Boating safety nonprofit The Sea Tow Foundation and its Boating Safety Advisory Council announced the winners of their fifth annual National Boating Safety Awards recognizing efforts to promote boating safety within the for-profit sector of the boating industry.
Among a record-breaking number of entries this year, the winners of the 2023 National Boating Safety Awards were presented on Monday, October 2 during the Soundings Trade Only event in Tampa, FL prior to the start of IBEX.
Yamaha won the award for the top Marine Manufacturer of boats and engines; the top Marine Gear and Equipment Manufacturer for 2023 is Garmin International, with its promotion of National Safe Boating Week not only through their own website and social media channels, but by branching out to social media influencers like The Qualified Captain.
Bonnier Corporation won the award for top Marine Media Outlet with eight videos portrayed important boating safety messages spanning topics such as hunting, fishing and boating. Boston Whaler won the top Marine Public Relations and Marketing Efforts award with its National Safe Boating Week messaging leveraging the expertise of Capt. Will Rogers, and the top Marine Social Media Influencer was Boat Safe Chicago.
The top Marine Retailer winner was Regal & Nautique of Orlando, who put together a comprehensive plan of how to include boating safety information through multiple touch points all year long. MarineMax received an honorable mention in the Marine Retailer Category for the 2023 National Boating Safety Awards.
Water Sports Industry Association won the new award category this year for the top Marine Trade Association with its comprehensive plan centered around its Wake Responsibly message. Another new award category in 2023, the top Community Boating Education Program, was won by Boat Safe Chicago.
“Once again, we are thrilled to celebrate and honor the outstanding dedication to boating safety within the for-profit sector of the boating industry,” said Gail R. Kulp, Executive Director of the Sea Tow Foundation. “These remarkable winners have demonstrated a commitment to raising the bar for safety, innovation and excellence in the boating industry. Their achievements reflect not only their individual efforts but also their contributions to making our waters safer for all.”
For more information about this year’s winners, visit boatingsafety.com/page/Awards2023.
