FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORKORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
March 29, 2015Sandestin, Florida
Moderated by theNational Safe Boating Council
in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
PARTNERING WITH VICTIMS
Focus: Serious Injury and FatalRecreational Vessel Boating Accident
Victims and Survivor Assistance
History: IBWSS March 7, 2003
Fred Messmann NV Department of Wildlife
Nita Boles Coalition of Parents and Families
AGENDA• Welcome and Introductions• Background• Organizations• Goal• Resources• Challenges• Boating Safety Issues• Next Steps
INTRODUCTIONS
INTRODUCTIONS
INTRODUCTIONS
INTRODUCTIONS
RESOURCES
GOAL
Reduce recreational vessel serious injuries and lives lost by assisting accident victims and survivors to organize into a powerful boating safety network able to help each other, raise awareness, and create a boating safety culture.
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The single most important part would be listening to the victim/survivor and then formulating a plan based on the elements of the tragedy that would specifically address the circumstance.
VICTIMS – SURVIVORS
The stories they tell are compelling.
There is not a better messenger.
ORGANIZATIONS
NASBLA: Law enforcement, boating education, Model Acts, Regulatory and Legislative Contacts
NSBC: Awareness, Education and Training, Media and Communications
USCG: National Data, non-profit funding for campaigns, National Boating Safety Advisory Council
NTSB: Accident investigations and recommendations to improve safety
ORGANIZATIONS, cont.
SOCIAL MEDIA
PROJECTS
FOUNDATIONS
NETWORK
WHY
• So you don’t have to start from scratch to learn all the ins and outs.
• You are not alone. Unfortunately, there are new recreational boating victims daily.
• You can be more effective through collaborative outreach efforts.
WHO• Families, friends, officers and others can offer support, resources, information and networking
• Refer grief counseling options• Stay in touch with postings of upcoming volunteer-friendly events
• Meet with the family and help them articulate their short term and long range reachable goals
• Local Boating Safety Coalitions; Safe Kids Coalitions; Hospital Community Outreach
MEDIA
• Develop relationships with organizations who have access to the media so you can supply a quote for a Press Release or be in a PSA with your story or message
• Never miss an opportunity to suggest people take a Boating Safety class
EDUCATION COURSES• Boaters and family members who don’t boat should take a class room Boating Education Course approved by NASBLA
• Helps understand the complexity• Develops camaraderie with experienced and new boaters
• You learn and understand better by being able to ask questions
• US Power Squadron, Coast Guard Auxiliary, State and Private
WHATBe a resource for: • Families of victims • Marine enforcement officers • EMS, Medical Personnel• Help the family avoid becoming the victim of exploitation
• Have boating professionals help victims and survivors focus their efforts
HOW• Maintain a portal to respond timely to people looking for information
• Provide an opportunity for offering guidance and involvement in education and awareness
• Include persons who have limited English proficiency
• Training for local, state and federal EMS and law enforcement programs with uniform messaging
• Links to regulators or lawmakers
CHALLENGES: CAUTIONS
• Help the family avoid becoming the victim of exploitation
• The decision by the family to become involved in any lawsuit must be kept separate from any boating safety activity the family pursues
• Assist the new “activist” in keeping their message focused
CHALLENGES: FUNDING/COSTSCOST INCOMETravel (annual meeting) MembershipWebsite Development SponsorsWebsite Maintenance DonationsPhone/Conference Call DuesTraining (leadership and/or instructors)
• Reach out to industry to sponsor or assist with support
• Network may consider ways they may be able to support similar to how Mothers Against Drunk Driving is funded through donations or dues from Foundations
BOATING SAFETY ISSUES
• Propeller Injuries• Life Jacket Wear• Alcohol• Carbon Monoxide• Electric Shock Drowning• Navigation Rules• Government • Others?
NEXT STEPS
• The NSBC will provide a forum at each IBWSS to highlight key successes, conduct training, discuss gaps
• Open Discussion
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