NYCkayaker BoatUS Foundation: PFDs and Safety Grant

[Erik Baard]

Ahoy'All,

I spoke with the BoatUS Foundation last week and today regarding the usual
supply of free life jackets I've been able to secure for the LIC Community
Boathouse and on behalf of other groups in the past.

The bad news is that they are behind in their fundraising efforts and won't
be able to provide PFDs in time for the May commencement of most community
programs. I'm researching options now, ideally keeping a uniformity of
equipment stock for organizational ease. It turns out the
infant-through-youth PFDs were supplied by Kent Sporting Goods in Ohio. I
spoke with that company today, and was sent to Maine Equipment and Supply in
NJ, which also has a Long Island affiliate. I'll try to get donations or
deep discounts for nonprofit groups/volume purchasing and will report back
to you.

The good news is that the BoatUS Foundation encourages us to apply as a
group/network for its boating safety grant. It seems many of our goals fall
within their scope, and align closely with recent recipient programs. A few
ideas include a 2009 NYC Water Trail Map that includes more safety
information, laminated cards with important instructions (rescue procedures,
marine radio channels, etc.), etc. I would love for the grant to cover
instruction, especially for volunteers participating in trips, or for pool
practice sessions, but don't readily see a precedent. Here's the 2007 batch:

http://www.boatus.com/foundation/Grants/recipients1.asp?APPYEAR=2007&B0=View

The applications for 2009 will be released in August, and the deadline will
be in November.

Let's try to apply as the NYC Water Trail Association, but falling short of
that, we have some existing social infrastructure like MWA, HEP, HRWA, and
the Guild. Larger groups like the Downtown Boathouse and Gowanus Dredgers
Canoe Club could partner, which strengthens an application.

Salty regards,

Erik

-- 
Erik Baard
http://naturecalendar.wordpress.com

www.licboathouse.org
www.naturecalendar.com