Sea Tow Foundation, Freedom Boat Club Promote ‘Sober Skippers’

FORT MYERS, Fla. – To remind boaters of the dangers of Boating Under the Influence, the Sea Tow Foundation and Freedom Boat Club announced the Sober Skipper Program at the Freedom Boat Club Annual Meeting (November 13-17) in Fort Myers, Fla.

Freedom Boat Club is part of 150 groups in 145 cities across 29 states that collaborate with the Sea Tow Foundation to promote the Sober Skipper Program in local communities. When boaters leave the dock, the person piloting the boat for the day is encouraged to take a ‘Sober Skipper” wrist band and wear it.

The two boating staples will collaborate nationwide to help build awareness about BUIs by distributing yellow “Sober Skipper” wristbands to Freedom Boat Club members and their local communities.

“We are thrilled to participate in the Sober Skipper campaign this year,” said Matt O’Hara Freedom Boat Club Lake George. “Our members have really embraced wearing the wristbands and promoting the importance of designating a sober skipper to enhance both the safety and enjoyment of being out on the water."

Wind, vibration, noise and even the sun’s rays can intensify the effects of alcohol, impairing balance and coordination – two things that can already be hard to maintain on a boat, even without alcohol involved. So, if you're the skipper, stay alert, be responsible and don't drink alcohol when in the captain’s chair.

“Having fun and being responsible do mix when boating with family and friends,” said Sea Tow Foundation Executive Director Michael Wesolowski. “Enjoy your time on the water and make it home safely, but before leaving the dock, take the pledge and decide who will be the Sober Skipper.”

Find out how you can support the effort at http://soberskipper.com

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 350 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

Freedom Boat Club is the nation's oldest and largest boat club with 135+ locations in 23 states and Canada. The club services 16,000 members and sports a fleet of 1,600 boats. Freedom Boat Club was founded in Sarasota, Florida and has been in business since 1989. For more information go to http://freedomboatclub.com