Across Canada, seven individuals and four organizations stand out for their efforts in 2012 in support of recreational boating safety and environmental stewardship. 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 Golden Globe awards of safe boating. On January 13th the Canadian Safe Boating Council hosted the annual CASBA ceremony to recognize the efforts of the general public, volunteers, professionals, companies, agencies and organizations that have distinguished themselves in the fields of boating safety and environmental stewardship during the 2012 boating season. The winners were selected from a host of nominations received from the public at large, covering boating safety stories from Vancouver, British Columbia to Port Credit, Ontario.

The CASBA awards span a number of categories and the winners who displayed their dedication and heroism in 2012 are as follows:
– Rescue of the Year – Stefan McClelland of Ottawa, ON for his heroic rescue of the pilot of a downed aircraft on the Ottawa River.
– Marine Professional of the Year – Lori Mason of Port Credit, ON for career-long contributions to boating safety on and around Lake Ontario.
– Top Volunteer Dedicated to Safe Boating – Joseph Gatfield of Windsor, ON for his lifetime volunteer role with the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons.
– Special Recognition Award – Pattison Outdoor Advertising of BC for contributions to a 2012 Canada-wide campaign promoting lifejacket wear and continuing support in promoting safety on the water.
– Special Recognition Award –Bob Izumi of Burlington, ON for promoting boating safety and lifejacket wear as part of the “real fishing” experience.
– Best Boating Safety Initiative (Sponsored by Ontario Power Generation) – Rick Easthom (Fraser Power and Sail Squadron) and Jack Tang (West Bay Boating Club) of Richmond, BC for helping Chinese-speaking boaters in their community boat more safely.
– Best Media Contribution to Boating Safety –Sgt. Norm Webster of the Vancouver Police Marine Unit, Vancouver, BC for non-stop engagement of local media and keeping boating safety in the spotlight.
– Safeguarding the Environment – Golden Enviro Products Inc. of ON for its innovative eco-friendly cleaner/degreaser BIM200, helping boaters safeguard the environment.
– Marine Industry – Windabout Enterprises Inc. of ON for its innovative heaving line, TOSS’N SAVE, making rescues from the boat safer and easier.
– Visible Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Wear in Advertising – Muskoka Lakes Association, ON for a collectible poster featuring lifejacket wear as part of the boating tradition.
The safety and enjoyment of some 15 million Canadians on our waterways every year is due in large part to individuals like these. 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 waters in canoes and kayaks, sailboards and sailboats, fishing boats, personal watercraft, power boats and cruisers are equipped with the knowledge they need for a safe day on the water.

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