Manassas, VA (May 16, 2016) – Boating safety advocates across the United States and Canada have teamed up to promote safe and responsible boating, including consistent life jacket wear during recreational water activities, during National Safe Boating Week to be held from May 21-27, 2016.
National Safe Boating Week is the launch of the annual North American Safe Boating Campaign, a yearlong effort focused on spreading the message of boating safety and the critical importance of always wearing a life jacket each and every time on the water with the national theme, Wear It!
“It’s tempting to boat without wearing a life jacket, especially on nice days,” said Rachel Johnson, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council, the lead organization of Wear It! “A life jacket not worn can’t save your life. Always Wear It!”
The National Safe Boating Council created a new public service announcement campaign, “Silly Humans,” featuring Shaw Grigsby, Bassmaster Elite Series Angler and host of “One More Cast” on The Sportsman Channel. This light-hearted campaign follows two fish who think they are smarter than some humans, but they are no match for an accomplished angler who boats responsibly and wears a life jacket. “If you’re not a fish, you’ve got to wear your life jacket,” reminds Grigsby. Watch the PSA at http://www.youtube.com/user/OutreachNSBC.
“Potentially save your life by always wearing a life jacket while boating,” said John Johnson, executive director and CEO of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. “Inherently buoyant and inflatable life jacket styles are available in new ergonomic designs and breathable fabrics, giving boaters the right gear to keep them safe, comfortable and cool.”
Throughout the year, Wear It! will also remind boaters of the importance of never boating under the influence and knowing navigational rules. Campaign partners will host local events, teach classes, offer on-water training and perform free vessel safety checks.
Wear It! unites the efforts of a wide variety of boating safety advocates, including the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, Canadian Safe Boating Council and many members of the National Safe Boating Council. The campaign is produced under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Follow Wear It! at facebook.com/safeboatcampaign and twitter.com/boatingcampaign. Visit safeboatingcampaign.com.
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