WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - March 23, 2010) - Millions of boaters will take to the water this spring break season and as the season starts to thaw out from the harsh winter. According to the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC), life jacket wear is one of the simplest ways to stay safe while enjoying warm weather boating activities. Just as seatbelt wear is a natural part of driving to your celebration destination, routine and consistent life jacket wear should also be a part of all water activities during the spring and summer boating season.
"Boating is a big part of spring break celebrations and the changing of the seasons, and there's no reason why everyone can't have fun on the water while also choosing to always wear a life jacket," said Virgil Chambers, Executive Director of the National Safe Boating Council. "Every boat operator needs to remember to share the 'Wear It!' message."
Approximately 90 percent of recreational boating drowning victims were those not wearing a life jacket. Fortunately, life jacket wear is easy and convenient with a range of today's comfortable, stylish styles.
"A life jacket's not going to do any good unless you're wearing it," Chambers said. "But the bulky styles that may have discouraged life jacket wear in the past have been replaced by superior options that both feel and look good. It's especially important for novice boaters who are planning to take to the water this spring season to be prepared: Do like other smart boaters and 'Wear It!'"
Life jacket wear by every boater is the leading goal of the North American Safe Boating Campaign, which kicks off officially with National Safe Boating Week, May 22 - 28. The North American Safe Boating Campaign unites the efforts of a wide variety of boating safety advocates, including NASBLA, the Canadian Safe Boating Council and the many members of the National Safe Boating Council. The campaign is produced under a grant from the Sports Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard.
About the National Safe Boating Council
The National Safe Boating Council represents over 330 U.S. and Canadian organizations committed to reducing boating accidents and enhancing the boating experience. Visit www.SafeBoatingCampaign.com for campaign materials and additional safe boating resources.
Contact Information:
Media Contacts: Dace de la Foret (703) 361-4294