The Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) annual Symposium, held in Whistler BC from September 23 to 25, was an overwhelming success!  With more than 70 boating and water safety advocates from across Canada and the US in attendance, the Symposium afforded an excellent opportunity for participants to share their experiences and explore best practices that enhance safety on the water. This year's theme was "Building the Business of Safe Boating." Many perspectives were exchanged, and several new ideas and practices were shared. As one presenter aptly articulated, "doing business safely is just good business."

 

Emergency Responders Panel

 

With the great turn-out, the range and diversity of participants and presenters, and the exceptional support of our valued sponsors, this year's Symposium was judged the best ever. Pre-Symposium events included a successful Cold Water Workshop held in Vancouver and, for the first time, the CSBC was pleased to host a venue for a national meeting of operator competency course providers.

 

On another note, the CSBC was thrilled to welcome several new members who attended the Symposium: from the Vancouver Police Service - Norm Webster and Jamie Gibson (Sergeant Webster's Symposium presentation was a hit!); from the Canadian Red Cross - Sandra Inglis of Halifax; from BC's Condor Consulting - Martin Rose; from Fox 40 International Inc. - Paul Groleau; and from International Yacht Training in B.C. - Mark Fry.

 

Here's a sampling of what participants said about their Symposium experience:

• This Symposium brought the recreational boating community even closer together, more informed, more aligned, more inspired.
• An excellent variety of speakers. Very friendly and welcoming reception and lots of opportunity to network.
• As my first Symposium, it was informative and very well run; kudos to everyone involved.
• A balanced and relevant program, forums were excellent and the focus on BC and Western Canada was extremely interesting. Lots of time for side discussions. This year saw a jump to a new level. Well done!

John Gullick, CSBC - thanking Randal Craig for his presentation on social media

The CSBC took the opportunity at the closing banquet, to recognize the contributions of several volunteers. Distinguished Service Citations were awarded to the following individuals:

• Bill Taylor, in recognition of his commitment over many years, and his leadership in the changes required to comply with the new charitable organization legislation under the new Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act 

• Rick Cassels, in recognition for his successful work year after year to secure financial sponsorships for CSBC events, and willingly stepping forward as the need arises

CSBC Certificates of Merit 2013 were awarded to the following individuals: 

• Virgil Chambers, retiring Executive Director of the National Safe Boating Council, for being a true partner and collaborator in support of the CSBC's boating safety campaigns and initiatives over the past 20 years 

• Cyndi Hodgson, CSBC Board member, for innovation in designing and delivering the CSBC flagship newsletter, excellence in media relations for the 2012 Symposium, and advancing the use of social media 

• Cathy Sandiford, for leadership in major strategic initiatives: the Sponsorship Workshop, the successful Canadian Safe Boating Campaign submission, and advancing the use of social media 

• Michael Vollmer, for leadership in the Business Practices Review and protection of the CSBC's intellectual property, and his continuing wise counsel and encyclopedic marine safety knowledge 

• Ted Fortuna, for his leadership in ensuring that the CSBC Business Plan "Action Priority One" (revenue generation) positions the CSBC for financial growth into the future 

• Vahe Vassilian, in recognition of his successful work year after year to secure financial sponsorships, and the business acumen and commitment he brings to multiple CSBC activities 

• Bob Minielly, in recognition of relentless pursuit of new CSBC members and supporters, unwavering support of colleagues and enthusiastic promotion of the CSBC 

The following departing Directors received CSBC Certificates of Service 2013: 

• Cameron Taylor, in grateful recognition of four years of distinguished volunteer service as a CSBC Director (2009 -2013) 

• Serge St-Martin, in grateful recognition of four years of distinguished volunteer service as a CSBC Director (2009 -2013)

• Wayne Young, in grateful recognition of two years of distinguished volunteer service as a CSBC Director (2011 -2013)

CSBC Volunteer Recognition Award Winners, 2013

Watch for a full article on the Symposium in the upcoming CSBC Fall Newsletter and check back on our web site www.csbc.ca soon, where Symposium presentations will be posted.

 

With all the fantastic topic ideas we received from participants for future Symposiums, planning is already in full swing for the September 21 to 23, 2014 Symposium in Ottawa.  Mark that date in your calendars now!

Selected by the NSBC board as the new Executive Director, Rachel Johnson, Certified Association Executive, assumed her duties on October 1. Her achievements with the North American Safe Boating Campaign are legendary, and her passion for boating safety is contagious. Rachel shared the following message with the CSBC upon taking office, "On behalf of the NSBC, I am very excited to continue the long-standing partnership our organization has with the CSBC. Our collaborative efforts throughout North America have truly helped make recreational boating safer."