Charles Chapman Award

In her remarks, Louisa Rudeen, editor of Motor Boating & Sailing, said, "Charles Chapman, the legendary former editor of Motor Boating magazine, was a big supporter of the U.S. Coast Guard during his lifetime. We give this award in his name to honor an individual or a group in the marine community whose contributions have greatly benefited the boating public and the boating industry. Chapman, I know, would agree that the Coast Guard definitely fits these criteria and richly deserves this long-overdue award."

Rudeen cited surprising statistics in making the presentation. Since 1971, 23,000 lives of recreational boaters have been saved by the actions of the U.S. Coast Guard and its partners in boating safety. Since 1973 as the number of recreational boats in use has doubled, the number of fatalities from boating accidents has dropped by more than one-half. This record has been accomplished through the teamwork of state boat safety agencies, industry efforts to improve products, and volunteers who deliver materials and safe boating instruction to millions of Americans. "However, most would agree the men and women of the Coast Guard are the most responsible for boating's safety record," Rudeen pointed out. "They 're the people who are out there saving lives or property often at great risk to themselves."

Receiving the award was Captain Michael Holmes, Chief of the USCG Office of Boating Safety.