For Immediate Release

Date: Thursday, Oct. 14 2004

Volunteer Boating Safety Instructors Honored

The Oregon State Marine Board honored its volunteer boating safety instructors at the event held Oct. 10 in Salem. Volunteer instructors provide low cost, high quality boating safety courses that meet the Marine Board’s mandatory education requirement.

Marine Board Education Coordinator Ashley Massey recognized three individuals from Portland and La Pine who excelled during the 2004 boating season.

The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Captain Lloyd Billings, of Portland, for consistency in offering courses through Columbia Crossings at Hayden Island Yacht Club. Captain Billings offers classes once a month, or as demand dictates. “He is a very conscientious instructor and cares a great deal about spreading the boating safety message to boaters in the Portland metro area,” said Massey.

The Instructor of the Year award was presented to Leroy Bentley, of Portland, for outstanding instruction based on student evaluations and the volume of classes taught. “Mr. Bentley goes the extra mile to clarify laws and regulations so students clearly understand what is required when boating,” said Massey. “He engages students and is always thorough when answering questions. If Leroy doesn’t know the answer to a question, he takes the time to find the answer and relay it to the student, which may be after the class is over.”

The Marine Board also presents a special award named for former Board Member and boating safety education advocate, the late Randall S. Cummings. This award is presented to a Boat Oregon volunteer instructor for his or her significant dedication to safety, education and community involvement. “The ‘Randall S. Cummings’ award was presented this year to Paul Cody for his enormous contributions assisting the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol, by providing equivalency exams and conducting boat inspections,” said Massey. Cody, of La Pine, also volunteered to work at local area boat shows. “His enthusiasm is contagious,” said Massey.

The Marine Board also recognized all of the volunteer instructors during the evening for their dedication and commitment to offering quality, low cost boating safety courses to Oregon boaters.

“We are grateful that such high caliber individuals have dedicated their talents, their time and their passion to spreading the boating safety message,” said Massey.

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