SOUTHOLD, N.Y. – In a time of social distancing and increased Internet use, the Sea Tow Foundation has announced the launch of its newly redesigned website: www.boatingsafety.com.

“Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we know that a lot of people are suddenly at home for extended periods of time and many of them are now working remotely as well, “” said Gail Kulp, executive director of the Sea Tow Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on safe boating practices that result in fun on the water. “The one thing that all boaters have in common is the desire to always plan that next boating trip whether it is going to be this weekend or next month or sometime in the future and the new Sea Tow Foundation website has lots of materials to help boaters plan a safe and fun day on the water on their next boating trip.”

BoatingSafety.com features a streamlined, modern design, user-friendly functionality, and easy access to essential information about the programs that the Foundation offers. The new website is also completely functional and responsive on both a mobile device or a computer. Along with an abundance of articles about boating safety tips and practices, the new website will also include links to the following information:

·Life Jacket Loaner Stations

·Sober Skipper Program

·Boating Safety Community

·Donation Opportunities

A new feature on the site is the “Get Involved” page, which allows the Sea Tow Foundation supporters to interact with each other in ways they’ve never explored before. This feature is intended to provide an even greater value to the boating community nationwide, at no charge to them. Registration is free and users not only receive access to the Sea Tow Foundation’s new e-newsletter, but will also be able to connect with groups of dedicated people who are already working together to eliminate boating under the influence and reduce drowning incidents.

In addition, the Sea Tow Foundation’s blog has been completely redesigned and is now easier to search for articles about boating safety classes, seasonal boating safety tips, being prepared for a day on the water, and so much more.

Through its Life Jacket Loaner Program, the Sea Tow Foundation has distributed more than 50,000 life jackets to local businesses and organizations across the country since 2008 to develop life jacket loaner stations in their local areas. The more than 650 life jacket loaner stations currently in operation are placed in locations where boaters will have easy access to the life jackets, such as boat ramps, marinas, and parks. Boaters may borrow the life jackets at no cost and are asked to return them when they are finished so that they are available for others to use.

Additional information on the Sea Tow Foundation’s Sober Skipper Program is also available. The goal of the program is to help eliminate Boating Under the Influence (BUI) by encouraging all boaters to make the safe and smart choice to be or to designate a sober skipper before every boating trip. BUI is against the law in every state and territory and in all sizes and types of boats whether they have a motor or not.

“The wind, vibration, noise, and the sun that you experience while boating can impair balance, coordination and concentration all on their own. Adding alcohol or drugs intensifies these effects,” Kulp said. “Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in boating accidents every year, but if every boat were to have a Sober Skipper at the helm, this would be 100% preventable.”

In addition to its programs, the site also features an online store which includes many printed materials and program supplies to help support the Life Jacket Loaner and the Sober Skipper Programs. Many of these items are completely free to order and can be downloaded and printed at home or they can be shipped right to your home at no charge to you.

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Sea Tow Foundation

With a focus on safe boating practices that result in fun on the water, the Sea Tow Foundation – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – was established in 2007 by Sea Tow Founder Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer. After his passing in 2015, Captain Joe’s legacy continues as the Foundation brings attention to the number of preventable boating-related accidents, injuries, and deaths, and directly addresses prevention methods through education and awareness. More than 600 life jacket loaner stands are now available across the United States and the Foundation’s Designate a Sober Skipper program continues to grow. For more information, please visit BoatingSafety.com.