The involvement of a celebrity in a boating accident almost always results in increased public scrutiny and can test an agency’s crisis communications policies, practices and skills. In fact, a high-profile incident is much more likely today – witness the global YouTube sensations with millions of followers – than when star power was confined to stage and screen.
Best Practices
Read BoatBeat’s General Best Practices, in addition to the following tips, for more recommendation and information.
- Crisis Management: High-profile accidents may require additional crisis management due to public scrutiny. It’s important to monitor public conversation, plan and communicate appropriately. Also, pay close attention to social media conversations.
- Focus on Safety: Encourage others to learn from the tragedy of the story, such as by encouraging all boaters to wear a life jacket while boating or never operating under the influence. Mention that if life jackets are not worn at all times while boating, it can be impossible to reach and put on a stowed life jacket after the boat has been in an accident.
- Focus on the Family: Stress importance of support for the family by the rescuers and the community for tragic stories.
Fact Sheets
Reporters Play a Critical Role in Boating Safety
Communicating Boating Safety: Law Enforcement and PIOs
Emergency Engine Cut-Off Devices
Emergency Engine Cut-Off Devices FAQs
Expert Sources
U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Auxiliary & Boating Safety
National Safe Boating Council (NSBC)
National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA)
Browse Federal and State Point-of-Contacts
External Resources
A Boater’s Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats
ECFR-Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
Federal Navigation Regulations by subject
Strategic Plan of the National Recreational Boating Safety Program
Surviving Celebrity News Webinar
The Navigation Center for Excellence
U.S. Coast Guard Division of Boating Safety
U.S. Coast Guard Boating Accident Statistics
U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook
U.S. Coast Guard Aids to Navigation System (ATON) Brochure