USPS squadron receives Boating Safety Youth Program Award

The National Safe Boating Council awards committee announced the winners for the BoatU.S. Foundation Boating Safety Youth Program Award and the OMC “Take ‘Em Boating” Grant at the 16th International Boating and Water Summit held in San Diego, Calif.

George Malindzak accepted the Boating Safety Youth Program Award on behalf of Raleigh Power & Sail Squadron. The BSYP Award, sponsored by BoatU.S., provides a vehicle to recognize individuals and organizations that have developed and successfully implemented innovative boating education programs directed at youth. The Raleigh Sail & Power Squadron developed a sailing program for kids; the kids get to build their own Optimist prams and keep them. This unique experience takes a child through the construction phase of boating all the way through racing. Kids accepted into the program must be accompanied by an adult during the construction, training and evaluation periods.

Malindzak leads the program, and he hopes it will serve as a pilot for a national program within USPS.

Jon Summers accepted the “Take ‘Em Boating” Grant on behalf of the Mississippi River Water Trail Association. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and partnering organizations are developing the Mississippi River Water Trail on the Mississippi River within the St. Louis District boundary. The Corps has developed day-use rest areas, primitive camping areas, and watchable wildlife and interpretive opportunities on the Mississippi River. Ultimately, the Corps hopes to have a water trail that goes up and down the Mississippi and can be used as a platform to train boaters in a safe and environmentally friendly way.

Funded by the Outboard Marine Corporation Foundation, the OMC Foundation grant program seeks to promote interest in boating safety, environmental awareness and the marine industry. The overarching purpose of the grant is to develop and encourage interest in boating for future generations. The program encourages organizations to develop creative and innovative programs to get kids into boats and to demonstrate the benefits of water-related activities.