Sea Tow Foundation Launches Targeted Boating Safety Campaign with Professional Athlete

The Sea Tow Foundation has released the third installment of its 'Sober Skipper: Why It Matters' video series, strategically timed with National Safe Boating Week to address critical safety concerns in recreational boating. The campaign focuses on a demographic identified by U.S. Coast Guard statistics as most vulnerable to boating under the influence (BUI) incidents: men between 24 and 50 years old.

Professional wakeboarder Thomas Herman serves as a pivotal spokesperson, sharing insights into why sobriety is crucial not only for safety but also for optimal performance in water sports. By featuring an accomplished athlete, the foundation aims to resonate with its target audience and underscore the importance of responsible boating behaviors.

The video series comes as part of a broader initiative to reduce preventable accidents and fatalities on the water. According to the Sea Tow Foundation's Executive Director Gail R. Kulp, water sports require intense focus, control, and rapid decision-making—attributes directly compromised by alcohol consumption.

National Safe Boating Week, scheduled from May 17-23, 2025, provides an ideal platform for amplifying the Sober Skipper message. The campaign encourages boaters to designate a sober operator, ensuring collective safety and enabling all participants to enjoy water activities without unnecessary risks.

By leveraging a professional athlete's perspective, the Sea Tow Foundation is addressing boating safety through a compelling and relatable narrative. The video series represents a proactive approach to education, targeting a high-risk demographic with messages that emphasize personal responsibility and collective well-being on the water.