The "CASBAs" Canada's boating safety awards were presented at a dinner and awards event held during the Toronto International Boat Show, on January 15th, 2012.

Across Canada, four individuals and four organizations stand out in 2011 – whether for their efforts that saved the lives of students capsized in a gale, teaching people how to use lifejackets to save the lives of loved ones, inventing a new product to aid rescuers in finding those stranded in the water, or providing their boating expertise and helping to protect the environment.   And now the Canadian Safe Boating Council has recognized these individuals and organizations with awards for their heroism and outstanding accomplishments.  

The Canadian Safe Boating Awards (CASBAs) are like the People’s Choice Awards of Safe Boating.  At the January 15th event, the Canadian Safe Boating Council hosted its annual CASBA ceremony to recognize the efforts of the general public, volunteers, professionals, agencies and organizations that have distinguished themselves in the fields of boating safety and environmental stewardship during the 2011 boating season.  The winners were selected from a host of nominations received from the public at large, covering boating safety stories from Kelowna, British Columbia to Lewisporte, Newfoundland and the Northwest Territories.

The CASBAs span a number of categories and the winners that displayed their dedication and heroism in 2011 are as follows:

Rescue of the Year  – The Hamilton Police Marine Unit of Hamilton, ON for the rescue of a group of student rowers during a sudden gale in April 2011 in Hamilton Harbour
Marine Professional of the Year – Colin Hiscock of Transport Canada in Lewisporte, NL  for his role as an extreme marine safety advocate
Top Volunteer Dedicated to Safe Boating – Duff Dwyer of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA) in Midland, ON for his lifetime volunteer role in the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary and Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CPSS)
Special Recognition – Marty Tannahill of the Ontario Recreational Canoe and Kayak Association in Toronto, ON who is revered for his expertise as a paddling instructor
Ontario Power Generation Best Boating Safety Initiative – The Lifesaving Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories for its Lifejacket Loaner Program
Safeguarding the Environment – Campion Marine of Kelowna, BC for its Green products and procedures in sportboat manufacturing
Marine Industry – “RESCUE STREAMER” Distress Signal – invented by Dr. Robert Yonover of See/Rescue Corporation and distributed in Canada by TSL Response Technologies Ltd. in Caledon, ON.
Visible Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Wear in Advertising – The Lifesaving Society of Quebec for its video promoting lifejacket /PFD wear by fishermen

The safety and enjoyment of approximately 16 million Canadians on our waterways every year is due in large part to individuals and organizations like these award winners.  Recognizing them is important and telling their stories will inspire others.  

The Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) is a registered charity, and its members and partners from all areas of the marine community include boat and marine product manufacturers, boating education organizations, water safety and marine law enforcement sectors. The Council’s goal is to work to ensure that the millions of Canadians who head out on the water in canoes and kayaks, sailboards and sailboats, fishing boats, personal watercraft, power boats and cruisers are equipped with the knowledge for a safe day on the water.

Visit www.csbc.ca  for more information about the CASBAs and the Canadian Safe Boating Council.

Photo: The 2012 CASBA award winners assembled for a group photo.