The Sea Tow Foundation is seeking six new members to join its Boating Safety Advisory Council, offering marine industry professionals an opportunity to help guide national boating safety initiatives.
Applications opened March 16 and will be accepted through April 24, 2026. Selected applicants will serve two-year terms on the council and will be notified in mid-May, with the first meeting scheduled for July 15.
Based in Southold, New York, the Sea Tow Foundation is a national nonprofit organization focused on preventing boating accidents and fatalities through education, outreach, and safety initiatives. The Boating Safety Advisory Council plays a key role in supporting that mission by providing strategic guidance on programs and campaigns that promote safer practices on the water.
Council members represent a broad cross-section of the marine industry and serve as subject-matter experts, influencers, and decision-makers within their respective fields. Their work helps shape initiatives that encourage the use of required and recommended safety equipment, including life jackets, promote boater education and training, and support responsible boating practices.
The council also helps advance the foundation’s Sober Skipper program, which encourages boaters to designate a sober operator for every trip. In addition, members oversee the National Boating Safety Awards, an annual program recognizing individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to improving boating safety.
According to Gail R. Kulp, the advisory council plays an important role in strengthening the foundation’s programs.
“Having a strong, engaged Advisory Council is essential to the success of our programs,” Kulp said. “We are looking for industry leaders who are passionate about boating safety and willing to collaborate across sectors to help shape meaningful, impactful initiatives.”
The foundation also recognized several outgoing council members for their service, including Jeremy Backman of Chubb Insurance, Kevin Falvey of Firecrown Media, Michael Gisch of Oyster Harbors Marine, Kimberly Koditek of Seakeeper, Deanne Lambros of Lambros Insurance Services, and Jeff Moag of the Water Sports Foundation.
Continuing members of the advisory council represent organizations across the boating industry, which include: Waterdogged Sportfishing, Sensar Marine, Bullitage Media, Norwest Marine, Northpoint Commercial Finance, Mustang Survival, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, Freedom Boat Club Gulf Coast, the Venice Police Marine Unit, Boat History Report, Digital Throttle, Lakeland Boating, MarineMax Ft. Myers, Brunswick, and Strong’s Marine.
Industry professionals interested in applying or nominating a candidate can find application details on the Sea Tow Foundation’s boating safety website.
