Boating Hall of Fame
Honors the "Bass Boss"

Ray Scott's leadership in
safe boating lauded by
National Safe Boating Council...

PINTLALA, Alabama - Ray Scott is known as the "Bass Boss", the founder of the world's largest bass fishing organization, but boating safety and saving lives may be his legacy.

The National Safe Boating Council has honored Scott of Pintlala, Alabama as a 2002 inductee into the Boating Safety Hall of Fame.

"This distinction honors individuals who have shown exemplary leadership and performed outstanding service on behalf of safer boating," said Virgil Chambers, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council.

Scott as founder of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) and the professional fishing Bassmaster Tournament Trail early on became a guiding influence in boating safety, requiring competitors to wear a Coast Guard approved lifejacket and worked with marine manufacturers to install ignition cut-off devices for outboards and improving upright flotation in bass boats.

"Scott's leadership in implementing these practices has resulted in lives saved on the water," said Chambers, who presented Scott as the 17th inductee into the Boating Safety Hall of Fame.

"Those inducted into the Boating Safety Hall of Fame are true leaders in boating safety," emphasized Chambers, who praised Scott for his work on the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Advisory Council where he lobbied for safety reforms, such a positive upright and level flotation in boats.

"Boat Smart From the Start. Wear Your Life Jacket" is the theme of the North American Safe Boating Campaign for 2002. "As a well recognized leader in fishing Ray Scott volunteered his talent and time to produce a public service announcement for the campaign that will save more lives," declared Chambers. The public service announcement began airing on television stations this month.

"This is a powerful message sent by a leader of the fishing and boating community," pointed out Chambers.

The National Safe Boating Council, headquartered in Delaware, Ohio, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance safe and enjoyable recreational boating.

Along with Ray Scott being honored as a 2002 inductee is William Selden, past Chief Commander of the U. S. Power Squadrons and current Chair of the National Safe Boating Council.

They join the ranks of such previous honored safe boating leaders as Senator John Breaux, former Senator Malcolm Wallop and Richard Schwartz, founder of Boat U.S.

Scott in 1979 received a Public Service Commendation from the U. S. Coast Guard for furthering safe boating. In 1986, the Ole Evinrude Award signaled out Ray Scott's contributions to recreational boating. Field & Stream Magazine named Scott as one of the twenty persons who did the most to influence the outdoor sports in the past century. And, Outdoor Life's "Ten Keepers" in 1998 proclaimed Scott's formation of B.A.S.S. as one of the top fishing innovations.

Fittingly, Scott was the first inductee into the new Professional Bass Fishing Hall of Fame last year. The Pro Fishing Hall is headquartered in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Scott, also, was honored in 2001 being nominated for the Horatio Alger Award for Distinguished Americans.

Ray Scott Outdoors, Inc. is a marketing and consulting group for the marine and fishing tackle industry. Scott, currently, serves as national spokesman for Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, MotorGuide trolling motors and S.O.S., Inc., the manufacturer of the Coast Guard approved inflatable lifevest (SOSPENDERS).