ADM Collins receiving magazine

ADM Thomas H. Collins, Commandant, awarded Mr. Richard Schwartz, founder of BoatUS, the United States Coast Guard Public Service Commendation on 27 April at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington DC. This award comes with a lapel pin.

Mr. Schwartz has appeared before Congress on numerous occasions over the past 35 years promoting better recreational boating safety. As a result of his pushing Congress, they approved the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971, which included a key "defects" provision that he authored. This new law held boat builders responsible for the boats they built and gave the Coast Guard the authority to recall defective vessels.

As chairman of the Board and Founder of BoatUS, Mr. Schwartz recognized the need to provide support to the Auxiliary through innovative assistance, grants, and donations to protect and educate the nation's 70 million recreational boaters. In specific support to the Auxiliary, BoatUS established and maintained a free BoatUS course hotline. Through this hotline recreational boaters have access to information on Auxiliary public education classes scheduled across the nation.

Mr. and Mrs. Schwartz with NACO and the Commandant.

He also established the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water in support of maritime environmental protection and safety. This foundation provides annual grants to Auxiliary units in support of boating safety and "Clean Water" projects. To date, BoatUS has awarded over $6,000,000 in grants to various maritime organizations.

Through BoatUS' extremely successful Children's Life Jacket Loaner Program life jackets have been provided to over 12,000 children since 1997. BoatUS has annually provided over 1 million boating safety brochures for use by Auxiliary program visitors, vessel safety check personnel, public affairs officers and public education instructors. Mr. Schwartz also established the BoatUS sponsored and highly coveted "Best Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla" award which is presented annually at the Coast Guard Auxiliary National Conference.

Both ADM Collins and National Commodore Gene Seibert thanked Mr. Schwartz for all he has done to improve recreational boating safety and his work with both the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary. Commodore Seibert pinned Mr. Schwartz for this public service to boating safety.

NACO presenting plaques

ADM Collins also conferred the title of Honorary Commodore in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary on Mr. Schwartz in recognition of his outstanding nationwide contributions made in support of the Auxiliary.

Commodore Seibert also thanked Mr. Schwartz for what he has done in support of the Auxiliary. He presented Mr. Schwartz with a plaque and a shadow box that contained the Auxiliary crossed anchor logo, the Commodore's star and a small American flag.

Mr. Schwartz said he was honored to be the recipient of these awards. He thanked the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary for everything they do for recreational boaters. He talked briefly about the Federal Boating Act of 1971 and what it took to get it passed. He recognized the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary as "the world's largest Navy."

He told those present that when the Coast Guard was first moved to the Department of Homeland Security he was concerned that the Coast Guard would not be able to continue their level of support to the recreational boater and he voiced his concern to Congress. He thanked ADM Collins and Commodore Seibert for still recognizing the importance of recreational boating safety and for their continuing efforts to make the sport safer and more enjoyable. ADM Collins said, "recreational boating safety is in the center of the radar scope."

Schwartz Family

Mr. Schwartz presented ADM Collins with the BoatUS magazine that just came off the press. On the cover was the pictured of the new 47 foot motor lifeboat.

ADM Collins said, "recreational boating safety is a Team effort. Safety is in our genes. The risk to life and property are center most in the Coast Guard missions and will always be there. Homeland Security and safety go together, each mission supports the other. We have added over 1,000 people to the groups and stations to enable us to cover both missions."

ADM Collins continued by saying, "each 47 footer cost $1 million dollars. They are totally self-righting and will be our towing workhorse. They have the capability of doing 25 knots. They were tested on the Columbia River at Cape Disappointment because is one of the most treacherous river bars in the world."

Following the ceremony Mr. Schwartz; his wife Beth; daughters Diane and Pam joined ADM Collins; Captain Barry Smith, Chief Director of the Auxiliary and Commodore Seibert for lunch in the ADM's mess.

Shadowbox Award