NASBLA News

Paul Barnard, a distinguished Coast Guard veteran, has spent over 30 years dedicated to recreational boating safety. Known for his innovative approach, Paul led key initiatives, including converting buoys to solar power and coordinating lifesaving efforts during the AMTRAK Sunset Limited disaster. As the Eighth District Recreational Boating Safety Program Specialist, he built a comprehensive safety program from scratch, launching the first Coast Guard RBS Facebook group and newsletter. His outreach extended internationally through videos and articles, and he played a pivotal role in passing South Carolina’s mandatory boating safety education law and developing Louisiana’s first Spanish boating safety course. 

Betsy Woods of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has dedicated nearly 30 years to boating safety. Starting in 1995 with the Clean Vessel Act Grants Program, she became the Statewide Boating Educator in 1998, leading Tennessee’s Boating Infrastructure Grant and CVA programs, which awarded over $20 million in grants. Under her leadership, Tennessee’s CVA program was nationally recognized in 2009. Betsy has certified over 50,000 students through Tennessee’s mandatory boating education since 2005. She was the inaugural NASBLA “Boating Educator of the Year” in 2011 and served on NASBLA’s Education and Outreach Committee since 1998, leaving a lasting impact on boating safety. 

Captain Stephanie Weatherington of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has dedicated 29 years to public service and boating safety. Starting as a Wildlife Officer in 1995, she earned accolades such as the 1999 A3 District Officer of the Year and the 2003 AGFC Boating Officer of the Year. In 2003, she became the Boating Law Administrator, the longest serving in NASBLA history. Throughout her tenure, Stephanie has made significant contributions to boating safety, serving and chairing key NASBLA committees, including the Enforcement & Training Committee, BAIRAC (now ERAC) Committee, and the Vessel Identification, Registration, and Titling Committee (VIRT). Elected to the NASBLA Executive Board in 2013, she served in various capacities, culminating in her presidency in 2017. Her dedication and leadership have profoundly shaped the boating safety community, leaving a lasting legacy. 

Officer Specialist Gilbrando Resendez of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has been a dedicated advocate for boating safety since joining in February 2018. With over 24 years of experience in law enforcement and marine patrol, he logged more than 1,100 hours of boating safety patrols in 2023. His proactive efforts included investigating boating incidents, removing derelict vessels from Tampa Bay, and inspecting over 270 boats, resulting in over 500 warnings and 180 citations for violations. After Hurricane Idalia, Officer Resendez coordinated the repair of damaged navigational markers, enhancing safety in Upper Tampa Bay. Notably, during a severe storm in February 2023, he rescued two individuals from an overturned kayak, showcasing his commitment and bravery. 

Sergeant Nate Thompson has dedicated over 20 years to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, primarily in marine law enforcement. His commitment to excellence is evident through his education, enforcement, and positive interactions with boaters, significantly impacting thousands across Oregon. He has patrolled diverse waterways, including lakes, rivers, and the Pacific Ocean, and served as a lead instructor at the Marine Law Enforcement Academy, covering various watercraft operations and swift water rescue training. In 2023, he led his marine patrol team to achieve over 7,000 boater contacts, representing one-fifth of statewide totals. Sergeant Thompson’s dedication to boating safety and law enforcement makes him a distinguished leader in the field. 

NASBLA recognized Game Warden Marcus Bowling of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources as the recipient of its prestigious National Boating Educator of the Year award. NASBLA congratulates Bowling on receiving the national Pamela S. Dillon Boating Educator of the Year award in acknowledgment of his outstanding commitment to boating safety, his innovative development of the Life Jacket Loaner Station program, and his dedication to educating diverse audiences across Kentucky. Click here to learn more about the National Boating Educator of the Year. 

NASBLA presented its esteemed national Officer of the Year award to Conservation Officer James Fogarty with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. NASBLA congratulates Officer Fogarty on receiving the national Officer of the Year award in recognition of his unwavering commitment to boating safety, his proactive enforcement efforts, and his dedication to public education initiatives that significantly enhance recreational boating safety across Minnesota. Click here to learn more about the National Boating Officer of the Year.