National Water Safety Congress

Lifetime Achievement Award

(Presentation Speech)

04-21-04

 Presented by Bobby Pharr, President

 The Lifetime Achievement Award is a new award for the National Water Safety Congress (NWSC). As the title describes, it is for a lifetime of achievements in the efforts of water safety. 

Most of us are here because we are boating and water safety professionals. It relates to our job. But in reality, if our career changes or we retire, most of us would not be back next year.

 There are a few though who believe in boating and water safety enough to continue to be involved, well after retirement. Many of us were not even born when this individual began being actively involved in the cause of water safety.  Very few ever will accumulate the number of years this person has spent promoting safety on our nation’s waters.  Through his over 40 years with the Corps of Engineers and his over 35 year’s involvement with the National Water Safety Congress, one can positively say he has contributed greatly to the cause. 

His involvement began in 1966 when he received an award of merit from the NWSC. When he went to receive the award in Nashville, TN, he was asked to serve on the Congress’s board of directors.  For 35 years, between 1967 and 2002, this individual put his heart and soul into helping make the Congress what it is today and is the Congress’s longest serving board member.  He has received President’s Award from the Congress multiple times. His work in serving as chair of the site selection committee set the foundation for what this conference is today. Even thought he is not presently on the board, he continues to this day to be a valuable resource to those responsible in organizing this annual conference.

 In addition to his contributions to boating and water safety, he has received the Keep America Beautiful Award five times and is a recipient of the prestigious Boy Scouts of America’s Silver Beaver Award. Also, I do not believe there has ever been a Corps of Engineer’s visitor center named after a person while they are still living.

 I respect this person for not only what he has done for boating and water safety but for the man he is, for his integrity, for his generosity, for his belief that there is good in everyone and for his never ending energy in making a difference in this world.  He finds no person a stranger. He is a personal friend and mentor.

 It is a honor and privilege to present the National Water Safety Congress’s first ever Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Carl Garner.

Invocation