2025 Program
Revised date: 4/10/2025
#IBWSS25 will be held April 14-17, 2025. Keynotes will explore leadership, community outreach, and emerging trends. Breakouts will equip attendees with tips and resources to implement in their boating and water safety outreach efforts. This year’s Premier conference sponsors are At the Helm Training and Chapman School of Seamanship.
1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Registration Desk
Registration
Pick up your name badge, registration packet, and ask questions at the registration table. Name badge required for IBWSS sessions.
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Solana ABCDE Foyer
Complimentary Professional Headshots
Stop by the Foyer near Registration to get your complimentary photo taken by Ken Waldron, creative director and producer at the National Safe Boating Council. Images will be emailed 1-2 weeks following the conference.
2:00 PM – 2:50 PM
Cira Ballroom A
New Attendee Networking
First and second time attendees are welcome to stop by and meet a conference mentor and learn more about how to make the most of your IBWSS experience.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Cira Ballroom BC
National Safe Boating Council General Membership Meeting
All are welcome! The NSBC Board of Directors and Executive Director will share updates on NSBC programs. There will be prizes!
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Solana Ballroom AB
Welcome to the International Boating and Water Safety Summit
The 2025 opening ceremony of the International Boating and Water Safety Summit; including Presentation of Colors, singing of the U.S. National Anthem, remarks from the U.S. Coast Guard, Arizona Game and Fish Department, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Followed by the NSBC Boating Safety Hall of Fame and Silver Schooner awards presentation.
Speakers
Alan Dennison
Peg Phillips
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Solana ABCDE Foyer
Evening Reception in the Exhibit Hall
Network with speakers, sponsors, and attendees at a reception sponsored by At the Helm Training & Chapman School of Seamanship. Visit with leaders in recreational boating and water safety at tabletop exhibits. Last chance to get your free professional headshot. Appetizers and other refreshments will be served.
Brought to You By
At the Helm Training
Chapman School of Seamanship
Registration desk open from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
8:00 AM – 8:25 AM
Solana ABCDE Foyer
Exhibit Hall
Visit with the tabletop exhibitors before heading into the ballroom for general sessions.
8:30 AM – 9:05 AM
Solana Ballroom AB
State of the Industry
Robert Newsome, Chief Administrative Officer for NMMA, will be discussing the current economic state of the recreational boating industry, sales and participation trends, and NMMA’s role in supporting safe boating.
9:05 AM – 9:45 AM
Solana Ballroom AB
How To Make Boating Safety Go Viral
What do you do to make boating safety go viral? Step in the shoes of your intended audience and you will find the answer. What are their pain points? What questions do they have? What can they do to make life easier? Captain Harley will break down how to capture attention by answering the questions above.
Speakers
Capt. Harley Hunt
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM
Solana Ballroom AB
Sponsor Promo
Fun Q&A with the #IBWSS25 emcee, Kim Sweers, along with sponsors. Must be present to win.
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Solana ABCDE Foyer
Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall
Enjoy a cup of coffee and network with other attendees and sponsors.
Sponsor
Sirius Signal
10:30 AM – 10:40 AM
Solana Ballroom AB
Sponsor Promo
Fun Q&A with the #IBWSS25 emcee, Kim Sweers, along with sponsors. Must be present to win.
10:40 AM – 11:10 AM
Solana Ballroom AB
BoatU.S. Foundation At Work
BoatU.S. Foundation has been a leader in safe and clean boating for over 40 years. The Foundation’s programs reach over 2 million boaters each year including the online free online boating safety course and the new Abandoned and Derelict Vessel (ADV) Program. BoatU.S. Foundation was awarded a grant from NOAA to fund the ADV Program. In this presentation, BoatU.S. will provide information on how you can partner with the Foundation to educate boaters in your community on safe and clean boating including online education, outreach materials and addressing ADVs.
Speaker
Heather Lougheed
11:10 AM – 11:30 AM
Solana Ballroom AB
From Influence to Impact: How Social Media is Saving Lives on the Water
Join Kim Sweers, aka The Boat Boss, as she dives into the power of social media in transforming boating safety. From viral campaigns to real world impact, Kim shares how digital storytelling, data driven strategy, and community engagement are helping her save lives on the water one post at a time. Learn how to prove and improve ROI while using your platform to educate, inspire, and protect.
Speaker
Kim Sweers
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Solana Ballroom AB
The Cold Hard Facts of Working On or Near Cold Water
This session will describe the 4 phases of cold-water immersion and how to assess how cold a patient is. Attendees will also learn about cold immersion prevention and treatment of a cold patient.
Speakers
Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Solana Ballroom E
Networking Lunch
Please join us for a networking lunch sponsored by the BoatU.S. Foundation.
Sponsor
BoatU.S. Foundation
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Solana C
Inflatable Life Jacket Maintenance Workshop
Do you want to extend the life of your life jacket? Is yours good to go or past its prime? Lili Colby will share both daily and annual maintenance tips and best practices for a range of inflatable devices that boaters use – hydrostatic (HIT), water activated automatics, and manual only. Learn how to do an annual self-inspection to make sure that your life jacket will do its job: work when it’s needed to save a life!
Speakers
Lili Colby
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Solana D
Hooked on Boating: How Fishing Fuels the Industry & Drives Retention
Fishing and boating are deeply intertwined—but how essential is fishing to the growth and sustainability of the boating industry? This engaging session will dive into participation trends, revealing how fishing serves as a gateway to boating and how these activities contribute to long-term industry health. We’ll explore key research on churn rates and first-time experiences, highlighting strategies to enhance retention and keep more people on the water for the long haul. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect the dots between fishing, boating, and the future of the industry!
Speakers
Rachel Piacenza
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
Solana C
Autism and Water Safety: Lessons from Spectrum Sailing
Water safety is a critical skill for everyone, but for the autism community, it can be a lifesaving necessity. Spectrum Sailing, the nation’s only free sailing program for autistic youth, leverages the power of sailing to teach essential water safety skills, build confidence, and foster independence. This session will explore the unique challenges autistic individuals face around water, the importance of structured and adaptive instruction, and how our program creates an inclusive, supportive environment for learning. Through real-world examples and best practices, we’ll showcase how boating communities can play a role in improving water safety education and making the water more accessible for all.
Speaker
Scott Herman
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
Solana D
Picture Perfect: Capturing Stunning Photos and Videos on the Water
Join me for a fun and practical session on capturing stunning photos and videos while out on the water! Whether you’re using an iPhone or a professional camera, I’ll share simple yet powerful tips to improve your shots—covering composition, lighting, and creative angles to make your boating moments stand out. Learn how to avoid common mistakes, and make the most of natural light for breathtaking images. Plus, I’ll share easy editing tricks to enhance your photos and videos before sharing them. Don’t miss this chance to level up your on-the-water photography and storytelling!
Speaker
Ken Waldron
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM
Solana ABCDE Foyer
Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall
Enjoy a short break while networking with other attendees and sponsors.
Sponsor
MRAA
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM
Solana C
Smart Start for Safe Paddling
The ACA is pleased to share core paddling principles that will keep you, your friends, and your family safe on the water and creating lasting memories for years to come. Learning the principles and information presented here will help increase fun and decrease accidents on the water. ACA’s Smart Start for Safe Paddling is a holistic program which features comprehensive books, student activity workbooks, free online coursework, instructor’s guide with presentation slides, and a wide collection of complementary resources.
Speaker
Kelsey Bracewell
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM
Solana D
Creating the Best Emergency Action Plan
At the Junior Sailing Program in Beaufort, NC, we didn’t have an Emergency Action Plan, so we set out to create one. Find out what we learned along the way and how it translated into real-life experiences when we had an emergency during one of our classes. In this session, you’ll learn how to fine-tune an existing Emergency Action Plan or create a new one from scratch.
Speaker
Brad Baker
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Solana ABCD Foyer
Exhibit Hall
Visit with the tabletop exhibitors and network with attendees.
Registration desk open from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
8:00 AM – 8:25 AM
Solana ABCDE Foyer
Exhibit Hall
Visit with the tabletop exhibitors before heading into the ballroom for general sessions.
8:30 AM – 9:05 AM
Solana Ballroom AB
Boats Can’t Talk
This session will include statistics on the number of pre-owned boats on the market with damage, facts about boat titling laws, examples of damaged boats without disclosure, and things to do to safeguard yourself. Boat History Report is a wealth of knowledge to help educate and protect you!
Speakers
Caroline Mantel
9:05 AM – 9:45 AM
Solana Ballroom AB
Coalition of Excellence
Chapman School of Seamanship and At the Helm Training are committed to boating safety through education. From launching a career as a licensed Captain, Surveyor, Yamaha Mechanic, Crew – there are more than 20 world class programs for students of all ages. Learn from the best on how these two industry partners are making a difference in boating safety.
Speaker
John Dial
John Haggerty
Jim Allen
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM
Solana Ballroom AB
Sponsor Promo
Fun Q&A with the #IBWSS25 emcee, Kim Sweers, along with sponsors. Must be present to win.
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Solana ABCDE Foyer
Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall
Enjoy a cup of coffee and network with other attendees and sponsors.
Sponsor
NMMA
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Solana Ballroom AB
Sponsor Promo
Fun Q&A with the #IBWSS25 emcee, Kim Sweers, along with sponsors. Must be present to win.
10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Solana Ballroom AB
Ships, Skiffs & Sailboats: A National Plan to Improve Multi-Use Waterway Safety
Professional mariners present key strategies for enhancing waterway safety in this session, developed by the American Waterways Operators and the Lone Star Harbor Safety Committee. Topics include effective communication of essential safety rules, risk reduction tactics, commercial and recreational boater incident statistics, insights into commercial vessel operations, and high-risk behaviors recreational boaters should avoid.
Speaker
Michael Breslin
Capt. David Foret
11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Solana Ballroom AB
Safer, More-secure, Stress-free Boating with Telematics (IoT)
Boater retention is a challenge. Learn how boat builders, boat rental/charter clubs, marine insurance carriers and consumers are leveraging technology and the use of onboard telematics with a consumer mobile app and 24/7 on-water mechanical support to help boaters enjoy a great day on the water! New boaters especially need the tools to help them navigate a safe boating mindset. Boating safety and stress-free boating are factors in boating retention. Next generation boaters expect technology to help them have a great day on the water!
Speaker
Steve Pitsos
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Solana Ballroom AB
Sponsor Promo
Fun Q&A with the #IBWSS25 emcee, Kim Sweers, along with sponsors. Must be present to win.
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Solana Ballroom E
Networking Lunch
Please join us for a networking lunch sponsored by Primus Yachts.
Sponsor
Primus Yachts
1:30 PM – 2:35 PM
Solana CD
Safety Station #1 – Gear Station
Join this broad group of boating safety gear manufacturers and water safety professionals for an in-depth look into the gear used in boating and water safety. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet in small groups with manufacturers and other group leaders for hands-on product demonstrations. Ask questions, try out the products, and ultimately build confidence in the gear available to help make consumers safer on the water!
1:30 PM – 3:15 PM
Outdoor Pool
Safety Station #2 – Cold-Water Workshop
Join Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht and a team of water safety professionals for an in-depth training on cold-water immersion. In this pool session, Dr. Gordon will lead the group on cold-water immersion recognition, care, and survival strategies. Attendees will have the hands-on opportunity to learn how to rescue someone from the water struggling with cold-water immersion and how to properly construct a hypothermia wrap.
1:30 PM – 2:35 PM
West Parking Lot
Safety Station #3 – Boats and Equipment
Join the Arizona Game and Fish Department and other local law enforcement personnel to learn about their boats and equipment used for water safety. This is a hands-on opportunity to see the equipment on-site and ask questions specific to how their specialized equipment aids in water safety education, enforcement, and rescues.
2:50 PM – 3:55 PM
Solana CD
Safety Station #1 – Gear Station
Join this broad group of boating safety gear manufacturers and water safety professionals for an in-depth look into the gear used in boating and water safety. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet in small groups with manufacturers and other group leaders for hands-on product demonstrations. Ask questions, try out the products, and ultimately build confidence in the gear available to help make consumers safer on the water!
1:30 PM – 3:15 PM
Outdoor Pool
Safety Station #2 – Cold Water Workshop
Join Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht and a team of water safety professionals for an in-depth training on cold water immersion. In this pool session, Dr. Gordon will lead the group on cold water immersion recognition, care, and survival strategies. Attendees will have the hands-on opportunity to learn how to rescue someone from the water struggling with cold water immersion and how to properly construct a hypothermia wrap.
2:50 PM – 3:55 PM
West Parking Lot
Safety Station #3 – Boats and Equipment
Join the Arizona Game and Fish Department and other local law enforcement personnel to learn about their boats and equipment used for water safety. This is a hands-on opportunity to see the equipment on-site and ask questions specific to how their specialized equipment aids in water safety education, enforcement, and rescues.
4:10 PM – 5:15 PM
Solana CD
Safety Station #1 – Gear Station
Join this broad group of boating safety gear manufacturers and water safety professionals for an in-depth look into the gear used in boating and water safety. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet in small groups with manufacturers and other group leaders for hands-on product demonstrations. Ask questions, try out the products, and ultimately build confidence in the gear available to help make consumers safer on the water!
3:30 PM – 5:15 PM
Outdoor Pool
Safety Station #2 – Cold-Water Workshop
Join Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht and a team of water safety professionals for an in-depth training on cold-water immersion. In this pool session, Dr. Gordon will lead the group on cold-water immersion recognition, care, and survival strategies. Attendees will have the hands-on opportunity to learn how to rescue someone from the water struggling with cold-water immersion and how to properly construct a hypothermia wrap.
4:10 PM – 5:15 PM
West Parking Lot
Safety Station #3 – Boats and Equipment
Join the Arizona Game and Fish Department and other local law enforcement personnel to learn about their boats and equipment used for water safety. This is a hands-on opportunity to see the equipment on-site and ask questions specific to how their specialized equipment aids in water safety education, enforcement, and rescues.
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Hospitality Suites
NSBC Instructor Reception
Reception and meeting for NSBC certified instructors. If you are interested in becoming a NSBC certified instructor, you are welcome to attend. Hear from NSBC’s Peg Phillips and Alexis Webb, and more.
Registration desk open from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
8:00 AM – 8:25 AM
Solana ABCDE Foyer
Exhibit Hall
Visit with the tabletop exhibitors before heading into the ballroom for general sessions.
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Solana Ballroom AB
Staying Above Board: Safety in Every Voyage
Luxury yachting should be about unforgettable experiences, not unforeseen dangers. Striking the balance between adventure and responsibility means prioritizing smart safety practices that enhance every journey. To pursue our love of life on the water, we need to not only appreciate but also educate others on the ways safety ensures smooth sailing. Even the most seasoned captains can apply collective anecdotes, statistical insights, and the latest technologies to amplify our passion for making every voyage both exciting and secure.
Speakers
Simon Tusha
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Solana Ballroom AB
World Forum on Boating Safety
Hear from world leaders about what’s happening in their country related to recreational boating and open water safety. Encouraging behavior change, specific responses to high-risk groups, education and training opportunities, and affirming safe boating behaviors and attitudes are just some of the engaging topics of this dynamic session.
Speakers
Moderator: Pam Dillon
Peg Phillips
Shari Affleck
Mike Dean
Marcelo Ulyssea
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Solana ABCDE Foyer
Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall
Enjoy a cup of coffee and network with other attendees and sponsors brought to you by Kalkomey.
Sponsor
Kalkomey
10:30 AM – 10:50 AM
Solana Ballroom AB
IBWSS Communication Awards + More
The IBWSS Communication Awards showcase outstanding outreach efforts of organizations, agencies, and groups who advocate for boating and water safety. Announcement and celebration of the 2025 recipients. Additional award recognition.
Speakers
Alexis Webb
Kim Sweers
Peg Phillips
10:50 AM – 11:20 AM
Solana Ballroom AB
Who Needs a Captain’s License, and What is the Process?
Three newly minted licensed Captains will review the procedure for obtaining your license and test your knowledge with different scenarios. If you are working on a boat in different capacities, do you need a Captain’s license? Let’s take a look at the federal regulations and make sure we are all compliant.
Speaker
Peg Phillips
Virgil Chambers
Pam Dillon
11:20 AM – 11:30 AM
Solana Ballroom AB
Final Remarks
Thank you for attending the 2025 International Boating and Water Safety Summit! Don’t miss a sneak peek at the 2026 International Boating and Water Safety Summit.
The raffle for the GRAND PRIZE will be held during the final remarks – must be present to win.
Speaker
Peg Phillips
