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Last week, NMMA attended the annual International Boating and Water Safety Summit (IBWSS) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. During the event, Discover Boating® was awarded the Safe Boating Award for its video "Boat Captains Duties” in collaboration with Progressive Insurance® at IBWSS’s Safe Boating Fiesta.

The IBWSS Communication Awards recognize the creative ways boating and water safety advocates are communicating with the public about safety on and in the water. Discover Boating and Progressive's award-winning video emphasizes the importance of safe boating practices for captains and is a part of a series of short- and long-form safety videos to further engage current boaters and ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience. 

Boat Boss, Kim Sweers, and The Qualified Captain, Aaron Stasiak, were the two keynote speakers for IBWSS. With a combined 1.5 million followers, both speakers expressed the importance of social media as it relates to boating. Following the keynote speakers were a variety of presentations and panels, including a presentation on product safety and compliance from Dave Marlow, Senior Director of Product Integrity at Brunswick Corporation. The event also included Peter Chisholm of Mercury Marine on a panel regarding engine cut-off switches, highlighting the importance of working in tandem between marine manufacturing and federal regulations. 

IBWSS is presented by the National Safe Boating Council in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard. With its focus on thought leadership, collaboration, and industry excellence, this international summit attracts leaders in recreational boating safety from around the world.

If you have any questions or are interested in scheduling a visit with New Mexico members, state legislators or their respective staff members, please contact NMMA Western Policy and Engagement Manager, Rachel Fischer at [email protected].