It was 1968 when we took our first boating class with the Waukegan, Ill., Power Squadron. In those days, learning to use a chart, parallel rules and a compass was important for those of us who wanted to do some serious cruising. Thankfully, electronics and more opportunities to learn have made boating easier and safer than ever.
Still, more than 100 years after its formation, the United States Power Squadrons — “America’s Boating Club” — continue to be a leader in boating education, believing an educated boater is a better, safer boater. Amen.
So it’s no surprise that the USPS recently announced the launching of “America’s Boating Channel” on YouTube.
Funded by grants from the Coast Guard, America’s Boating Channel offers a series of streaming and downloadable videos focused on education. They’re provided in several formats, including skills animations, audio presentations and safety messages. The videos and animations cover a wide range of topics and are organized into such sections as “Planning, Departure, Underway” and Arrival, addressing essential skills and etiquette.
The videos tackle subjects such as steering basics, anchoring, docking, mooring, shoreline landings, life jackets, man overboard, vessel inspections and more. “Learn More” links at the end of each video promote further education. Content will be added regularly, and the videos are available in Spanish.
A series that just released includes six videos on PWC operation, four on life jackets and one video each on frequently asked questions regarding the Navigation Rules, visual distress signals, the Mobile Maritime Service Identity and accident reporting. A video series in production and expected out soon covers human-propelled boating, electronic navigation, new aspects of life jacket wear and boating under the influence.
For dealers, this is a great resource to which you can refer customers (especially newcomers) for sound, easy-to-understand education. Moreover, boating instructors can use the multimedia content to enhance their classroom presentations, while boaters can view and review the content at any time.
Free Social Content from Discover Boating
I’ve noted this in the past, but it’s such a great opportunity for dealers that it merits a reminder or repeat for those who missed my June 26 blog.
The industry’s Discover Boating initiative has launched a new free social media content program that’s being applauded by dealers, marinas, brokers and others who are utilizing the lifestyle content on their Facebook pages.
Dealers know Facebook is an effective marketing tool, but the downside is the need to continually post fresh content. Discover Boating to the rescue!
DB is offering a program that will regularly post professionally produced content directly to your Facebook page at no cost.
I urge you to visit the Get Social with Discover Boating program. It is professionally managed by LotVantage, a digital marketing software company that oversees the curation and distribution of Facebook content in the United States and Canada for industry stakeholders.
Bottom line: It’s free and easy. And it will boost your dealership’s presence on Facebook.
Click here for more program information or contact Freya Olsen at [email protected] with questions.
