Second Annual Ready, Set, Inflate! Event Sets New Life Jacket World Record

BRISTOW, VA--(Marketwire - Jun 8, 2011) - Boaters have blown away another world record for inflatable life jacket wear. During the second annual "Ready, Set, Inflate!" event held on May 21, 2011, 1,685 people gathered at more than 99 events held around the world (37 US states and territories, 6 countries) to set a new world record for the number of participants who inflated their inflatable life jacket or wore an inherently buoyant life jacket. The annual event, hosted by the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) in partnership with the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC), serves as the kickoff to National Safe Boating Week, held May 21 - 27, 2011 and aims to heighten awareness of inflatable life jackets and life jacket safety.

The previous world record was set during last year's "Ready, Set, Inflate!" event, which tallied 1,154 participants.

"Our second annual 'Ready, Set, Inflate!' event was a tremendous success thanks to our partner, the Canadian Safe Boating Council, our corporate sponsors, and the many boating safety educators and organizations that made this an event for the history books," said Virgil Chambers, executive director of the NSBC.

The success of "Ready, Set, Inflate!" Inflatable Life Jacket World Record Day depends on local sponsors and partners. Cabela's® served as the national sponsor in the U.S. West Marine also held events throughout North America as part of their National Safe Boating Week outreach and education efforts. Leland, Ltd. and iSi Components offered over 1,000 CO2 cartridges to allow participants the opportunity to inflate their life jacket, but also practice re-arming techniques of inflatable life jackets. SmartBoater sponsored the event throughout Canada bringing the important message of life jacket wear to boaters throughout the country.

"The ultimate goal of this event is not to set a world record. We're just hoping to get boaters from around the country -- and the world -- to get excited and involved in a fun and educational way to spread the word about life jacket safety," said Bob Minielly, chair of the Canadian Safe Boating Council.

More information about each regional event and to view pictures, videos and educational materials about life jacket safety are available at www.ReadySetInflate.com.

The North American Safe Boating Campaign focuses on the goal of educating the public about safe boating and life jacket safety all year round, and relies on events like "Inflatable Life Jacket World Record Day" and National Safe Boating Week to bring more awareness to this life-saving cause. For more information, please visit www.ReadySetInflate.com or www.SafeBoatingCampaign.com.