Blogs

NASBLA and NDAA Collaborate to Strengthen BUI Prosecution

By Garrison Toy posted 2 days ago
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Boating under the influence (BUI) enforcement is more than a legal obligation — it is a lifesaving mission. Prosecutors and law enforcement officers serve a vital role in upholding boating safety laws aimed at preventing loss of life, injury and property damage. By approaching BUI cases with the same diligence applied to DUI offenses, you help deter dangerous behavior, influence public perception and safeguard families from the tragic consequences of impaired boating. To support this effort, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) partnered to deliver a series of in-person ...
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NASBLA Welcomes Phoebe Wallace as New Education Director

By Garrison Toy posted 9 days ago
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NASBLA Welcomes Phoebe Wallace as New Education Director After a rigorous benchmarking, application and hiring process, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) has selected Phoebe Wallace as its new Education Director. Wallace will assume the role beginning March 9, 2026. Wallace brings a diverse background in on-water operations, public service and boating safety leadership. She grew up in Boise, Idaho, where she spent much of her time enjoying the region’s inland reservoirs, rivers and high mountain lakes. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Boise, she moved to Maui, Hawaiʻi, where she worked as a deckhand ...
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The United States Coast Guard launches the 2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey

By Taylor Kirshe posted 10 days ago
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The United States Coast Guard launches the 2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey The survey is the only source for recreational boating data in all 50 states and informs about safety and security on the water. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is launching the 2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey (NRBSS), which will provide detailed estimates in every state of how many people go boating, what types of boats they use, and how often they go boating. This survey is funded under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund administered by the USCG. The survey supports national safety and law enforcement ...
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NASBLA and IAMI Announce Basic Boating Incident and Marine Arson Investigations Training

By Taylor Kirshe posted 24 days ago
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NASBLA and IAMI Announce Basic Boating Incident and Marine Arson Investigations Training The International Association of Marine Investigators (IAMI) , in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) , will host a specialized two-day training program, Basic Boating Incident Investigations and Basic Marine Arson Investigations , April 22–23, 2026, at the Louisiana Fire and Emergency Training Center. The training will cover: Basic Boating Incident Investigations Introduction to the principles and procedures of boating incident investigations Techniques for evidence collection and data ...
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Alabama Names New Boating Law Administrator

By Taylor Kirshe posted 24 days ago
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Alabama Names New Boating Law Administrator The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) welcomes Captain Drew Brooks as the new boating law administrator (BLA) for the state of Alabama. Captain Brooks is a seasoned law enforcement professional with a distinguished career in the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). He began his law enforcement career in 2002 as a patrol officer with the Montgomery Police Department, rising to the rank of corporal and demonstrating a strong commitment to public safety and professional excellence. He later served as a sheriff’s deputy with the Pike County Sheriff’s Office before joining ...
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North Carolina Names New Boating Law Administrator

By Taylor Kirshe posted 02-10-2026
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North Carolina Names New Boating Law Administrator The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is excited to welcome Major Branden Jones as North Carolina's new Boating Law Administrator (BLA). Branden Jones serves as major of support services and boating law administrator for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). He began his career with the agency in April 2010 after completing the NCWRC Basic Academy. Jones first served as a wildlife enforcement officer in northeastern North Carolina, covering the Outer Banks for two years. During his tenure as a wildlife officer, he worked in a variety of assignments, ...
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NASBLA BOAT Program Honors David Guthrie as 2025 Instructor of the Year

By Garrison Toy posted 01-14-2026
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The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) has named David Guthrie the 2025 BOAT Program Instructor of the Year, recognizing his outstanding leadership, instructional excellence, and lasting impact on the Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program . The Instructor of the Year award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to advancing maritime safety, professionalism, and operational readiness through high-quality instruction and mentorship. Among a nationwide cadre of experienced instructors, Guthrie distinguished himself through his consistent leadership, operational expertise, and dedication to developing ...
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NASBLA BOAT Program Hosts Annual Instructor Development Workshop in Clearwater Beach

By Garrison Toy posted 01-07-2026
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The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program successfully hosted its annual Instructor Development Workshop Dec. 16–17, 2025, in Clearwater Beach, Florida. The event brought together more than 60 credentialed NASBLA instructors, along with representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, industry partners, and sponsors. The two-day workshop featured a comprehensive agenda covering program updates, strategies for fostering classroom credibility, collaborative training techniques, insights from industry partners, and adult learning engagement strategies. U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Jason Aleksak ...
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Shape the Future of Boating Safety: Apply to the CRBP Commission

By Taylor Kirshe posted 12-09-2025
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Shape the Future of Boating Safety: Apply to the CRBP Commission The future of recreational boating safety and professionalism is being rebuilt — and you have the opportunity to help shape it. NASBLA’s Certified Recreational Boating Professional (CRBP) Program is entering an exciting new chapter, with updated content, enhanced delivery through Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC , and a renewed commitment to excellence. At the center of this work will be a seven-member CRBP Commission, a diverse group of leaders responsible for guiding standards, validating resources, and ensuring the integrity of the credentialing process. Serving on the commission ...
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Wisconsin Names New Boating Law Administrator

By Taylor Kirshe posted 11-17-2025
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Wisconsin Names New Boating Law Adminsitrator The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is pleased to welcome Lieutenant John Sinclair as Wisconsin's new Boating Law Administrator (BLA). Lt. John Sinclair began his career in 2012 as a conservation warden in Kenosha County, where he developed a strong appreciation for his time on Lake Michigan. Over the years, he advanced his boat operation and enforcement skills, joined the Tactical Boat Team (now the Specialized Boat Operations Team), completed multiple NASBLA trainings, and became an instructor for new recruits at the agency’s Boat School. He was later promoted ...
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NASBLA Publishes 2025 Annual Report

By Taylor Kirshe posted 10-31-2025
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NASBLA Publishes 2025 Annual Report The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) , a national nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety, has released its 2025 Annual Report . The report covers a variety of accomplishments achieved by NASBLA and its members, stemming from NASBLA policy committees, grant projects, annual events, national awards and more. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all U.S. states and territories. "Each year brings its own challenges and opportunities, and 2025 has been an exceptional year in NASBLA’s 65-year history," ...
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National Paddlesports Committee Honors 12 Companies for Promoting Paddling Safety Online

By Taylor Kirshe posted 10-28-2025
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National Paddlesports Committee Honors 12 Companies for Promoting Paddling Safety Online Lexington, KY — The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) , in partnership with its Paddlesports Committee, proudly announces the inaugural recipients of the 2025 National Paddlesports Committee Honors (NPCH). This new recognition celebrates paddlesports manufacturers, retailers, and liveries that demonstrate a strong commitment to paddling safety through their digital content. The honors were announced during the 66 th Annual NASBLA Conference, with recipients recognized at the Paddlesports Trade Coalition event in Charlotte, ...
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2025 NASBLA Awards Ceremony Honors Industry Leaders

By Taylor Kirshe posted 10-22-2025
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2025 NASBLA Awards Ceremony Honors Industry Leaders The 66th Annual NASBLA Conference took place in Des Moines, Iowa, from Sept. 16-18, 2025. During the awards ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 18, NASBLA presented its annual national awards, honoring members and colleagues in the recreational boating safety community for their exceptional contributions to boating and water safety. This year, NASBLA recognized 17 award winners at the event. John M. Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award Pamela J. Doty , U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chair’s Award Angela Boone , National Association of State Boating Law Administrators ...
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Operation Dry Water Award Winners Honored at the 2025 NASBLA Annual Conference

By Taylor Kirshe posted 10-22-2025
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October 22, 2025: The 2025 Operation Dry Water (ODW) award recipients were recognized Thursday, Sept. 18, during the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) Annual Conference in Des Moines, Iowa. Awards were presented for Officer of the Year, Regional Law Enforcement, and Media Outreach in recognition of outstanding efforts to prevent boating under the influence (BUI) and support the Operation Dry Water campaign. These awards highlight law enforcement agencies and officers who have made a significant impact in BUI enforcement and outreach, particularly during the heightened enforcement period surrounding the July Fourth holiday. ...
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NASBLA Names Senior Trooper Jacob Manning the 2025 National Boating Officer of the Year

By Taylor Kirshe posted 10-22-2025
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NASBLA Names Senior Trooper Jacob Manning the 2025 National Boating Officer of the Year During its 66th Annual Meeting, held Sept. 16–18, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) presented its prestigious National Boating Officer of the Year award, sponsored by SAFE Boats International , to Senior Trooper Jacob Manning of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Department of Public Safety Marine Patrol Division. The National Boating Officer of the Year award recognizes a law enforcement officer who has made outstanding contributions to boating safety through enforcement and exemplary ...
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Annie Grenier Recognized as the 2025 NASBLA National Boating Educator of the Year

By Taylor Kirshe posted 10-22-2025
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Annie Grenier Recognized as the 2025 NASBLA National Boating Educator of the Year The 2025 National Pamela S. Dillon Boating Educator of the Year award was presented to Annie Grenier of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Office of Boating Safety, on Thursday, Sept. 18, during the awards ceremony at the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) Annual Conference in Des Moines, Iowa. Sponsored by Kalkomey Enterprises Inc. , the Pamela S. Dillon Boating Educator of the Year award was established by NASBLA in 2011 to recognize individuals who go above and beyond to engage students and boaters, raise ...
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Award Winners Honored at the 66th Annual NASBLA Conference

By Taylor Kirshe posted 10-22-2025
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Award Winners Honored at the 66th Annual NASBLA Conference The 66th Annual NASBLA Conference took place in Des Moines, Iowa, from Sept. 16-18, 2025. During the awards ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 18, NASBLA presented its annual national awards, honoring members and colleagues in the recreational boating safety community for their exceptional contributions to boating and water safety. This year, NASBLA recognized 17 award winners at the event. John M. Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award NASBLA first began presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998. This award is designed to recognize a person who has contributed to boating safety ...
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Josh Hoffman Achieves Certified Recreational Boating Professional (CRBP) Certification

By Taylor Kirshe posted 10-06-2025
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Josh Hoffman Achieves Certified Recreational Boating Professional (CRBP) Certification The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) proudly recognizes Josh Hoffman of the Arizona Game & Fish Department for successfully earning the Certified Recreational Boating Professional (CRBP) credential. Hoffman passed the CRBP exam on June 15, demonstrating his expertise and commitment to advancing boating safety. The CRBP certification, developed by NASBLA, is a voluntary credential designed to recognize recreational boating professionals for their knowledge, performance, and career achievements across key program domains. ...
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New Jersey Boating Law Administrator Elected NASBLA Chair

By Taylor Kirshe posted 10-06-2025
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New Jersey Boating Law Administrator Elected NASBLA Chair The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) Executive Board has elected Lieutenant Christopher Jones, Boating Law Administrator for New Jersey, as chair of the organization for the 2025-2026 year. His election took place Sept. 30, 2025, during the first meeting of the NASBLA Executive Board following the association’s annual conference, in accordance with the bylaws. Jones succeeds Joe McCullough, Boating Law Administrator for Alaska. NASBLA is a national nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA ...
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Nebraska Names New Boating Law Administrator

By Taylor Kirshe posted 10-06-2025
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Nebraska Names New Boating Law Administrator The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) would like to welcome Major Mike Thome, the new Boating Law Administrator (BLA) for the state of Nebraska. Major Mike Thome brings more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement and natural resource protection. He currently serves as Assistant Division Administrator for the Law Enforcement Division of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. On Sept. 1, 2025, he was appointed Nebraska’s Boating Law Administrator, a role that builds on his long-standing commitment to public safety and outdoor recreation stewardship. His ...
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