Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Program Visitation

1. Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Program Visitation

2. Mutual vision • The Power Squadrons and Coast Guard Auxiliary share a common goal – Boating Safety • Joint commitment to a key community outreach program – Vessel Safety Checks

3. What is Program Visitation? • 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

4. Program benefits • Save lives and property • Increase public awareness of the organization • Enhance the organization’s image • Recruit new members

5. Program benefits • Recruit partner facilities for education programs • Promote other programs: • America’s Boating Course • Boating education programs • Seminars • Vessel Safety Checks

6. Key Program Elements • Program Visitors • Program Partners • Recreational boating public

7. Program Visitor • 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

8. Program Visitor • Program Visitor is an: • Educator • Good will ambassador • Recruiter • Salesperson • Source of information

9. Becoming a Program Visitor • Make a commitment • Be assigned a mentor • Study the manual and material • Pass the exam • Conduct supervised visits • Receive a certification • Maintain currency

10. Program Partners

11. Program Partners • Businesses that volunteer to assist with distributing RBS literature • Allow the display of literature display racks in their establishments

12. Traditional Partners • Marinas • Bait shops • Boat ramps • Repair stations • Boating supply stores

13. Non-traditional Partners • Doctor’s offices • Grocery stores • Gas stations • Coffee shops • Hardware stores • The list is as good as you make it!

14. Developing 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

15. 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

16. 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

18. Literature • Consists of: • Vessel Safety Check information • Life jacket wear • State and local boating handouts • Information about classes & vessel safety check events Get a professional photo of the new box

19. Program Partners benefits • 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

20. Recreational Boating Public Source: USCG Imagery: http://www.uscgboating.org/gallery/default.aspx

21. Program contribution • Enhances public education • Better awareness of federal, state and local safety requirements • Awareness of organization’s missions and services • Understand boat owner’s and operator’s responsibilities

22. Program benefits • Vast, untapped resource • 2010 statistics indicate there are: • 82 million adult Americans participating in recreational boating • 12.7 million boats registered in the United States

23. Summary • Participation in the RBS Program Visitation program enhances recreational boating safety by: • Increasing contact with the public • Broadening distribution of boating safety information

24. Thank You It has been a pleasure meeting with you.