As the 2011 boating season winds down, think back over the season to that special person, group or organization whose efforts in the field of boating safety and environmental stewardship deserve national recognition!  Maybe they created a new boating safety related product or initiative.  Perhaps they are volunteers or professionals whose efforts have contributed greatly to the safety of those on the water.  Then again, maybe it’s someone who, hearing that another was in trouble on the water, summoned the courage to mount a rescue.  These are the people we want you to nominate to receive a Canadian Safe Boating (CASBA) Award.  You can even nominate yourself or your group or organization.

It’s the fact that YOU determine who is nominated for special national recognition that makes the CASBAs so very special.  They are like the Peoples’ Choice Awards and there are a number of categories within which to make a nomination. These include…

"Rescue of the Year"

"Marine Professional of the Year"

"Top Volunteer Dedicated to Safe Boating"

"Best Boating Safety Initiative"

"Safeguarding the Environment"

"Marine Industry/Product"

“Visible PFD Wear in Advertising”

“Best Media Contribution to Boating Safety”

Winners will receive their awards in Toronto, ON on Sunday, January 15th at the Toronto Sheraton Centre as part of a gala event.

If you haven’t given it any thought to-date or have been meaning to submit a nomination but just haven’t gotten around to it yet, do it NOW before the thought passes.  It only takes a few minutes.  To submit a nomination and for more information, visit the Canadian Safe Boating Council website (www.csbc.ca) and click on CASBAs within the “Events” tab.  You can also register to attend the awards ceremony via the site.

Don’t let the efforts of those worthy individuals or groups go unrecognized.  Let them know their efforts are truly appreciated. Nominate them today.