CLEARWATER, FL (December 14, 2021) – With a continued steady increase of new boaters in the past year, the need for educational programs to keep everyone safe on the water has become a necessity. Boating classes and continued education are part of the MarineMax DNA. They've been offering boating safety classes to owners since June 1998. Over the years, they've adapted boating safety programs to increase outreach and accessibility with the help of social media and their Boating Tips series. 

Abbey Heimensen, Vice President of Marketing for MarineMax, comments, “Our focus is always on our customers – to teach them, service them, and show them how to have fun. We are continuously looking for ways to connect and provide resources to make boating easier.” 

In an annual awards ceremony, the Sea Tow Foundation Boating Safety Advisory Council recognizes the best boating safety work in the for-profit section of the recreational boating industry. A third consecutive win for MarineMax, they took home repeat honors for the Top Marine Retailer with More Than Three Locations.

Sea Tow Foundation Executive Director Gail R. Kulp comments, "MarineMax utilized multiple methods of outreach including face-to-face opportunities in their locations along with printed flyers, social media, e-mailed newsletters, YouTube, podcasts, and their website. Everything was well-produced, professional, and easy to digest. They also heavily promoted National Safe Boating Week and focused messaging on the importance of life jacket wear and designating a sober skipper."

Keith Lake, MarineMax Clearwater Delivery Captain, Host of the Boating Tips LIVE Video Podcast, comments, "I have the distinct privilege to work one-on-one with every new boat owner that comes through our store. No matter the boat size, we want you to feel comfortable, so you have fun while out on the water. These awards help the marine industry shine a spotlight on boating safety. I'm thrilled to receive this award for the third year in a row."

Being an intelligent boater is easy with the variety of classes offered by MarineMax: Women on Water®, Kids in Boating, New Owners Workshop, Charting Plotting and Navigation, Fishing Seminars, and various other Boating Safety Classes. Search for upcoming educational opportunities in your area by visiting www.marinemax.com/events.

With the Boating Tips LIVE podcast series, you can brush up on your boating knowledge while on the go. Tune in every Monday at 3:00 PM EST on Facebook and YouTube to catch new episodes or stream the audio series on your favorite podcast platform.