It’s too hot! It doesn’t look cool. I know how to swim. Nothing is going to happen to me. These are just some of the many reasons people claim that they do not wear their life jackets. But with approximately 700 people drowning each year from recreational boating accidents, it is imperative for you to wear your life jacket at all times while you are on the water. Life jackets are no longer the orange, hot and bulky vests that are commonly associated with on the water safety gear. New innovations and developments in life jackets have produced a smaller, sleeker, and much more comfortable version of a life jacket, leaving you with no reason not to WEAR IT! (Most Recently Available 2006 USCG Statistics Summary)

This year during National Safe Boating Week, May 17–23, and throughout the boating season, remember to practice safe and responsible boating, always wear your life jacket, and be alert and aware while on the water. By practicing these simple steps you can save your life as well as the lives of the people boating with you. Life jackets are now more comfortable and lightweight than ever, with many new styles to fit the style you want.

Much like a helmet to a biker or skate boarder, life jackets are an essential part of your boating safety equipment and should be worn at all times while on the water. In 2006 of the 710 recreational boating fatalities 90% of those victims not wearing their life jackets. Life jackets are now lighter, less obtrusive and more attractive than ever before. The new inflatable life jackets or Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) allows you the mobility and flexibility that you need when boating, fishing, paddling or hunting and are much cooler in the warmer weather. There are many different varieties of inflatable jackets ranging from those that inflate instantly when you hit the water to those that are manually inflated. All are designed to be more comfortable and wearable than the traditional life jacket.

Accidents can happen at an alarming speed anyplace or anytime you are on the water. Although many boaters stow life jackets on their boat, very few choose to wear it. There just isn’t time to grab a life jacket and put it on properly before you are in the water. If you are faced with a strong current or unfavorable weather conditions you will not only have trouble making sure you are safe and secure in your life jacket, but you will be unable to help your friends, relatives, children or passengers that have accompanied you in your boat. Wearing your life jacket will allow you to be safe in case of an accident and will also allow you the ability to assist others that may be in danger.

The North American Safe Boating Campaign began in 1957 and has evolved into a large scale, international effort. By producing and distributing a variety of safe boating resources, the North American Safe Boating Campaign reaches out to approximately 78 million recreational boaters annually. As a partner of the U.S. Coast Guard’s “You’re in Command. Boat Responsibly!” initiative, the North American Safe Boating Campaign is a concentrated effort to encourage life jacket wear, sober recreational boating, proper vessel maintenance, and recreational boater education. For more information visit www.SafeBoatingCouncil.org and www.SafeBoatingCampaign.net.

Contact: Rachel Burkholder, Outreach Manager
National Safe Boating Council
Phone: (703) 361-4294
Email: outreach@safeboatingcouncil.org