National Safe Boating Week Kicks Off May 21

On May 21, boating professionals and outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to join Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day to heighten awareness of different life jacket styles that are available, and demonstrate their comfort and versatility by wearing them to work.

The annual event, hosted by the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) serves as a fun, educational element just prior to National Safe Boating Week, held May 22 to 28, as the official launch of the 2021 Safe Boating Campaign. Educating the boating public about the safety and comfort of life jackets has been a main focus of the campaign.

The National Safe Boating Council is asking all participants to take a picture of themselves in their life jacket while at work and post it to the Facebook page or submit it directly to the NSBC at outreach@safeboatingcouncil.org. Participants are also encouraged to tweet their picture using #lifejacketatwork.

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2019, and that 86 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

New life jackets are more comfortable, lightweight, and stylish than the bulky orange style most boaters know. There are innovative options, such as inflatable life jackets, allowing mobility and flexibility for activities like boating, fishing, paddling, or hunting, and are much cooler in the warmer weather. For more information visit safeboatingcampaign.com.