The Sea Tow Foundation in conjunction with the Boating Safety Advisory Council recognized Yamaha Marine with a National Boating Safety Award in the Marine Manufacturer category on Monday, Oct. 2 prior to the beginning of the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX®) in Tampa, Fla.
“Yamaha continues to push marine industry safety messaging in unique and engaging ways through paid advertising, organic/owned content and by utilizing influencers and brand ambassadors to help extend their reach. Hunter Bland helps support the Yamaha message of boating safety in multiple ways,” said Gail R. Kulp, Executive Director of the Sea Tow Foundation. “Once again, we are thrilled to celebrate and honor the outstanding dedication to boating safety within the for-profit sector of the boating industry. Their achievements reflect not only their individual efforts but also their contributions to making our waters safer for all.”
The National Boating Safety Awards were established in 2019 by the Sea Tow Foundation Boating Safety Advisory Council to recognize and celebrate the top for-profit recreational boating industry companies for their commitment to promoting boating safety initiatives. The name was shortened from the original National Boating Industry Safety Awards in 2023 to focus more directly on boating safety while still recognizing and celebrating only for-profit recreational boating industry companies.
“Boating safety is always a top priority for Yamaha, and I’m proud to be part of this campaign,” said Hunter Bland, Yamaha Boating Safety Ambassador. “The accident I had several years ago changed my life and gave me a deeper appreciation of how quickly things can change on the water. With Yamaha’s help, I’ve been able to share my story and help other boaters learn more about how to stay safe. We’re grateful for this recognition and remain committed to spreading the word about safe boating practices.”
The Sea Tow Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was started in 2007 by Captain Joe Frohnhoefer, founder of Sea Tow Services International, after he witnessed too many preventable accidents and fatalities on the water. Through its flagship programs, which include the Life Jacket Loaner Program, Sober Skipper Campaign, and the National Boating Industry Safety Awards, the Sea Tow Foundation strives towards its vision of a world where boaters are safe and responsible. For more information about the awards program, and the Sea Tow Foundation’s Advisory Council, visit boatingsafety.com.
Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit, based in Kennesaw, Ga., markets and sells marine outboard motors ranging in size from 2.5 to 450 horsepower. It also markets and sells fiberglass, jet-drive sport boats ranging from 19 to 27 feet, and personal watercraft. The unit includes manufacturing divisions of Yamaha Marine Systems Co., Inc., including Kracor of Milwaukee (rotational molding), Bennett Marine of Deerfield Beach, Fla. (trim tabs), and Yamaha Marine Precision Propellers of Indianapolis (stainless steel propellers). Yamaha Marine Group is a division of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., based in Cypress, Calif.