March 3, 2026

With thanks to Ron Kroeker for the photos.
The 2025 Canadian Safe Boating Awards (CASBAs) were held on Sunday, January 18 at the National Yacht Club in Toronto. At this gala event the Canadian Safe Boating Council, its members and stakeholders in recreational boating safety assembled to honour the people, programs, organizations and marinas that help to make boating in Canada safer and better for all of us, and to keep the environment clean.

The CSBC is proud to announce the following winners of this year’s CASBA Awards:

Mustang Survival Rescue of the Year
Len Strahl and Jason Foster
In recognition of performing a life-saving water rescue

Rescue of the Year – First Responder
Cst. David Knight and Cst Mike Van Maaren, Halton Regional Police Service
In recognition of performing a life-saving water rescue as a First Responder

Best Boating Safety Initiative
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
In recognition of pioneering the Boaters Handbook, a landmark initiative that enhances safe, informed, and responsible navigation in the Port of Vancouver

Best Media Contribution to Boating Safety
Sgt. Kerry Schmidt, Ontario Provincial Police
In recognition of promoting boating safety through media engagement

Marine Industry
GLORope Safety Solutions – Scott Harrigan
In recognition of the GLO Ring, an innovative glow-in-the-dark throw ring that greatly improves safety during nighttime man-overboard rescues.

Top Volunteer Dedicated to Safe Boating
Eric Labaupa
In recognition of exemplary leadership, community outreach and influential presence within Manitoba’s fishing and boating communities.

Marine Professional of the Year
Sgt David Portelance, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
In recognition of outstanding leadership, professionalism and enduring dedication to marine safety in Canada

Special Recognition
Captain Anthony Patterson
In recognition of over 44 years of exemplary leadership in marine search and rescue and groundbreaking contributions to training innovations

Special Recognition
Amphibious Response Support Unit One

In recognition of your outstanding contribution to advancing safe boating practices and strengthening boating safety awareness across the Prairie and Northern Region communities.
The CASBA Gala recognizes the efforts of the public, volunteers, professionals, agencies and organizations who have distinguished themselves in boating safety and environmental stewardship. Each CASBA event has shared amazing stories of bravery, innovation, passion and dedication. In addition, it is a wonderful opportunity to build community and make connections. This year’s event was a prime example of that: Scott Harrigan of GLORope Safety Solutions was speaking of his frustrations with getting official regulatory approval for his products, which would increase their availability and save lives. Tony Patterson received a CASBA Award in part for his successful lobbying effort for the International Maritime Organization and Transport Canada to recognize marine simulation training. At the end of the evening, the two of them were arranging follow-up discussions!

Interested in more networking to support your business, learn from colleagues and make new friends? Join us at the CSBC Symposium in Quebec City in September! Annual Symposium – Canadian Safe Boating Council 

The CSBC would like to thank Presenting Sponsor Mustang and our other sponsors, without whom the CASBAs would not be possible:

·    Presenting Sponsor: Mustang Survival
·    Gold Sponsor: The Cook-Rees Memorial Fund 
·    Silver Sponsor: MD Marine Insurance
·    Silver Sponsor: Salus
·    Bronze Sponsor: Boater Exam.com
·    Bronze Sponsor: Maple Leaf Marinas

For additional information on the CASBAs, future events and boating safety information, please visit www.csbc.ca.