"Be A Survivor: Wear It!" Contest Is a Major Highlight for 2009 North American Safe Boating Campaign

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - May 6, 2009) - The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) announced the continuation of a popular nationwide contest for stories about boaters whose lives were saved by wearing a life jacket. The "Be A Survivor: Wear It!" contest invites boaters to submit essays or videos describing their personal stories in which they or someone they knew survived because they had life jackets on. Information about the contest can be found at http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com/09contest.htm.

West Marine®, the national boating-related products and services retailer, has donated one $1,000 shopping spree which will be awarded to the grand prize winner for their winning entry in the contest. Every eligible entrant will receive a free boating safety product, encouraging safer boating and life jacket wear.

"The 'Be A Survivor: Wear It!' contest is more than just a fun contest. The overall purpose of this program is to illustrate the simple, lifesaving step of wearing a life jacket while boating. Approximately 90 percent of those who drown during a recreational boating accident are not wearing a life jacket," says Virgil Chambers, Executive Director of the National Safe Boating Council. "By addressing this issue head-on and really demonstrating the importance of life jacket wear, that's going to make the difference."

The NSBC is proud to once again have West Marine as the official sponsor of the 2009 contest. Their generous grand prize and their commitment to not only promote the contest, but also safer boating is very appreciated.

"West Marine is excited to once again sponsor the 'Be A Survivor: Wear It!' contest," comments Laurie Fried, Director of Community Relations for West Marine. "West Marine is supportive and congratulatory of the National Safe Boating Council and its many partners in the North American Safe Boating Campaign for their hard work and dedication toward safer boating."

The "Be A Survivor: Wear It!" contest is just one component of the North American Safe Boating Campaign, which kicks off officially with National Safe Boating Week, May 16 - 22. The campaign, through its theme "Wear It!," encourages recreational boaters to wear a life jacket at all times while boating. The old-fashioned, bulky orange life jacket most people are used to has been replaced with innovative new options including the new inflatable styles. Life jackets are available in a wide variety of compact, lightweight and attractive styles suitable for constant wear.

The "Be A Survivor!" contest runs through September 2. Winners will be announced on October 31, 2009. Entry submissions and contest details may be found at www.SafeBoatingCampaign.com, at any West Marine store nationwide or at www.WestMarine.com.

Contact Information: Media Contacts: Dace de la Foret (614) 224-8114 Brent Wilder (614) 224-8114 Technical Contact: Rachel Burkholder (703) 361-4294