Peter Bolton of Comox is the new chief commander of the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons.
CPS is Canada’s premier national volunteer boating organization with 15,000 members dedicated to providing boating instruction in classrooms and online across Canada.
Bolton joined the local Cape Lazo Squadron, in 2003 as a student. He progressed from student to instructor to volunteering at the local, district and national levels. Taking on the role of chief commander and chairman of the board of directors managing a national volunteer organization takes endless hours of work.
“We started out teaching boating skills and safety on the water. Developments in electronics, size and speed of boats and shifting demographics have expanded our mandate,” says Bolton.
“We are always moving forward, developing a new national website, updating courses, increasing the benefits of membership, encouraging social activities and cruises in the individual squadrons. We want everyone, whether in a kayak, a sailboat or a 60-foot yacht, out on their boats with knowledge, skills, safety and confidence.”
We need to recognize the many volunteers in the Comox Valley and in communities across the country who step forward, volunteer their time and knowledge to make boating safety education available to all.”
Cape Lazo Squadron is taking some innovative directions, as it celebrates its 60th year, offering courses in the classroom and online, instructing distance learners on Skype, providing courses for women taught by women and developing a program for youth and teens, all with the purpose of improving safety on the water.