FAQs
1. Can you tell me more about the Safe Boating Campaign?
The Safe Boating Campaign is a worldwide effort focused on responsible boating led by the National Safe Boating Council in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard. At its heart, the Safe Boating Campaign is a grassroots effort that collaborates with partners around the world to share about safe boating in their local communities through events, social media, workshops, and more.
2. What does it mean to be a Safe Boating Campaign partner?
As a Safe Boating Campaign partner, you are equipped with a recognized brand and resources to use in your local community. By signing up as a partner, you agree to uphold the integrity of the Safe Boating Campaign brand and messaging. In addition to our library of resources, we encourage you to create your own resources in accordance with the Safe Boating Campaign brand guidelines.
3. Does it cost anything to become a partner?
No, becoming a Safe Boating Campaign partner is completely free!
4. Can individuals become a partner?
If you’re an individual interested in supporting your local Safe Boating Campaign effort, please contact your local partners.
5. How do I register as a partner? When I register, what information is shared?
You can register online as a partner! By registering, you will be listed in our online partner database sharing your organization, location, and more with like-minded partners from around the world. If you’re interested in volunteering to support your local Safe Boating Campaign effort, please contact your local partners.
6. How do I sign up for email alerts? Can others sign up too?
Following registration, you must opt-in to receive email updates for the latest information. If you are already registered, please find your listingand contact us with any updates. Others are welcome to sign up for email updates as well!
7. Do you have a sample partner plan?
We’ve got you covered! Review our sample partner plan to guide your local efforts. From social media to local events, there are many things you can do to share about recreational boating safety. And, we have the marketing materials to help you get started! Have an idea we should include? Contact us.
8. When should I start planning?
Planning can begin at any point during the year. We encourage you to use our free resources to customize a campaign for your community. Please customize the sample partner plan based on your community needs and local volunteer support.
9. What are your tips for recruiting volunteers to help with my local effort?
Encourage others in your organization and community to support your efforts. Please follow your organization’s policies for recruiting and working with volunteers. Volunteers may also opt-in to receive email updates from the Safe Boating Campaign.
10. What are some fun ways I can recognize my volunteers?
After finishing a big event, it’s important to celebrate with your team. Bring in coffee and donuts, send flowers or cards, host a get-together, or highlight key volunteers in your organization’s newsletter. We also love to highlight our partners! Please email or direct message us on social media to let us know about the impact you’re having in your community.
11. What is a co-branded logo?
Co-branding shows an establishment of partnership and credibility between brands. The National Safe Boating Council provides a co-branded Safe Boating Campaign logo for registered partners. We’re thankful for our many partners around the world, so please keep in mind the turnaround time for your logo may be up to 4 weeks.
12. How can I best use the co-branded logo you provide?
By signing up as a partner, you agree to uphold the integrity of the Safe Boating Campaign brand and messaging. Please view our brand guidelines.
13. My organization has an older co-branded logo. Am I still okay to use this?
Please review your co-branded logo against our brand guidelines. If you are still unsure, contact us.
14. How can I get additional marketing support?
Please contact us for a quote for additional marketing support.
15. What are the annual events of the Safe Boating Campaign?
Join the worldwide celebration with two annual events for the Safe Boating Campaign. Each year, the third Friday in May is Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day, immediately followed by National Safe Boating Week the third Saturday – Friday.
16. Are the resources on the website free?
Downloadable marketing resources are available free of charge and may be shared far and wide. Due to the high number of partners, we do not co-brand these resources. Discover resources.
17. Can I order printed resources?
Yes! We provide banners, flyers, launch signs, t-shirts, and more in our online store. These may range from free to deeply discounted items. Only available while supplies last.
18. Can I order customizable printed resources?
Yes! Please contact us for a quote for your request.
19. Where do I follow the Safe Boating Campaign on social media?
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagramto learn the latest on resources, find safe boating tips, and enter contests for a chance to win a prize.
20. What is the Safe Boating Campaign pledge? How do I take it?
We recommend all boaters and passengers not only have a life jacket, but wear it at all times while boating. Regardless of your age or experience level, the data shows that life jackets save lives. You can take the pledge online to always Wear It while boating.
21. How can I share about my local effort with the Safe Boating Campaign?
We love to share what our partners are doing on our blog and social media! Please email or direct message us on social media to let us know about the impact you’re having in your community. Photos and videos are always encouraged!
22. Where can I find downloadable resources? Are these free to use?
Downloadable marketing resources are available free of charge and may be shared far and wide. Due to the high number of partners, we do not co-brand these resources. Discover resources.
23. Do you have event toolkits?
We do! In the Resources library, we provide Safe Boating Campaign Event Toolkits to help you quickly find resources for that season or event. Get ready for Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day, National Safe Boating Week, Fall/Winter, Spring, and Summer boating.
24. Where can I find more information about life jackets and labels?
The best life jacket is one you will wear! Accidents on the water happen too quickly to reach and put on a stowed life jacket. There are many life jacket styles for every boating activity. Read the label to make sure it’s appropriate for your activity, try it on for fit, and Wear It! Learn more about life jackets for every boating activity. Additionally, the National Safe Boating Council has provided a great list of boating safety and life jacket FAQs.
25. Are there any additional ways I can get involved?
In addition to our outlined suggestions, we recommend attending the International Boating & Water Safety Summit (IBWSS) annually. IBWSS is a premiere event for training, education, awareness, meeting, and networking for professionals, volunteers, and anyone involved in boating and water safety. Learn more about IBWSS.
26. I believe in supporting the mission of the Safe Boating Campaign. Where can I make a donation?
We’re excited you’re onboard! You can make a donation to the National Safe Boating Council. You can also find and directly support your local partners.
27. I have great photos and video footage, but not everyone is wearing a life jacket. Can you still use these?
In alignment with our Media Best Practices, modeling responsible safety behavior on the water is a must. These voluntary media best practices may be helpful for photo and video shoots, advertisements, packaging, written materials, social media posts, and other collateral.