WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - May 18, 2010) - The National Safe Boating Council is promoting boating safety and life jacket safety by encouraging boaters to "Wear It!" during National Safe Boating Week May 22 - 28, 2010. Boating is a safe and fun recreational activity enjoyed by thousands every year, however, in 2010 there may still be more than 600 boating fatalities from boating accidents.
Wearing a life jacket is the most effective way to ensure a safer experience for boaters on the water. According to the most-recently reported official U.S. Coast Guard statistics:
- 90 percent of drowning victims in recreational boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket in 2008.
- Drowning is the reported cause of death in two-thirds of all boating fatalities.
That's why boating safety advocates continue to push for increased and consistent life jacket wear on the water.
"The 'Wear It!' message puts a positive spin on a sometimes dreary and saddening situation where, every year, some boaters choose to not wear a life jacket," says Virgil Chambers, Executive Director of the National Safe Boating Council, an umbrella group representing boating safety advocates throughout North America. "The campaign recognizes that education and outreach of the life jacket and boating safety message can ultimately help to save lives."
This year, the National Safe Boating Council in partnership with the Canadian Safe Boating Council will host "Inflatable Life Jacket World Record Day" on Thursday, May 20, 2010, just prior to the kick-off of National Safe Boating Week. People from around North America will be attempting to set the world record for the most inflatable life jackets inflated simultaneously. This event will be held throughout the United States and in Canada not only to promote the comfortable and versatile inflatable life jacket, but also to educate about life jackets in general. More information about "Inflatable Life Jacket World Record Day" can be found at www.ReadySetInflate.com.
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
Email Contact
(614) 224-8114, ext. 235
Technical Contact:
Rachel Burkholder
Email Contact
(703) 361-4294