The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking nominations to its Boating Safety Advisory Council.

The Commission is recruiting to fill three open seats on the Boating Safety Advisory Council in the areas of whitewater kayakers, personal watercraft owners and unaffiliated boaters. The deadline for submitting applications is Jan. 20. Appointments will be made by Feb. 8.

The council assists and advises the Commission on administration of its boating safety program, which provides information and education on safe and environmentally sound boating practices to agencies, organizations and individuals statewide.

The program also works closely with local marine law enforcement agencies, U.S. Power Squadrons, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and other boating safety educational organizations to assist their information, education and law enforcement efforts. Council members may be reimbursed for travel and other expenses when attending council meetings.

The council meets four times a year, typically on a weekday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In 2012, the council will meet on Feb.16, May 17, Sept. 20 and Nov. 29.

When submitting an application or nominating individuals for the council, please consider that State Parks serves a culturally diverse population and is committed to representing that diversity in our staffing, volunteers and advisory groups.

When possible, recommendations for appointment to the Council are based on a geographical distribution of one-third from eastern Washington and two-thirds from western Washington. Currently, only one member of the council represents eastern Washington. The agency is especially interested in increasing representation from outside the Puget Sound area and by people of color and people with disabilities.

To request an application or for more information, call 360-902-8836 or e-mail Wade.alonzo@parks.wa.gov.