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Each year the third Saturday in May starts National Safe Boating Week, the kick-off of the annual Safe Boating Campaign. It runs through the following Friday to serve as an important boating safety reminder before the Memorial Day weekend. The Safe Boating Campaign continues throughout the year with various events and activities. Any of the resources on this webpage may be used to support your local outreach efforts. Learn more in this toolkit.

Following are templates to copy/paste on your own letterhead and personalize for your outreach efforts.

State or Local Proclamation

For over 100 million Americans, boating continues to be a popular recreational activity. From coast to coast, and everywhere in between, people are taking to the water and enjoying time together boating, sailing, paddling and fishing. During National Safe Boating Week, the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Safe Boating Council, along with federal, state, and local safe boating partners encourage all boaters to explore and enjoy America’s beautiful waters responsibly.

Safe boating begins with preparation. The Coast Guard estimates that human error accounts for most boating accidents and that life jackets could prevent nearly 75 percent of boating fatalities. Through basic boating safety procedures – carrying lifesaving emergency distress and communications equipment, wearing life jackets, attending safe boating courses, participating in free boat safety checks, and staying sober when navigating – we can help ensure boaters on America’s coastal, inland, and offshore waters stay safe throughout the season.

National Safe Boating Week is observed to bring attention to important life-saving tips for recreational boaters so that they can have a safer, more fun experience out on the water throughout the year.

  • Whereas, on average, 650 people die each year in boating-related accidents in the U.S.; 75 percent of these are fatalities caused by drowning; and
  • Whereas, the vast majority of these accidents are caused by human error or poor judgment and not by the boat, equipment or environmental factors; and
  • Whereas, a significant number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year would be alive today had they worn their life jackets.

Therefore, I, _____________, do hereby support the goals of the Safe Boating Campaign and proclaim May 18-24, 2024 as National Safe Boating Week and the start of the year-round effort to promote safe boating.

In Witness Thereof, I urge all those who boat to practice safe boating habits and wear a life jacket at all times while boating.

Given under my signature and the seal of at the city/state of ______________,
this ______ day of _____________, 2024.

Local Press Release #wearyourlifejacketatworkday

Use this customizable press release to raise awareness of this effort. Email or fax it to local media. Remember to customize the information in CAPITAL LETTERS and remove this statement before distributing to the media.

For Immediate Release

ORGANIZATION to Encourage Others to “Wear Your Life Jacket at Work” on Friday, May 17, 2024

CITY, STATE (DATE) – ORGANIZATION announced today its support of Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day on Friday, May 17, 2024. ORGANIZATION joins boating professionals and outdoor enthusiasts 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 el- ement just prior to National Safe Boating Week, May 18-24, the official launch of the 2024 Safe Boating Campaign. Educating the boating public about the safety and comfort of life jackets has been a main focus of the campaign. “Wear Your Life Jacket at Work” Day will take place on Friday, May 17, wherever you are!

“QUOTE FROM AN ORGANIZATION OFFICER OR OTHER PROMINENT SUPPORTER.”

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 social media with the hashtag #wearyourlifejacketatworkday and tag the Safe Boating Campaign (@boatingcampaign) or submit it directly to the NSBC at outreach@safeboatingcouncil.org.

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2022, and that approximately 75 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

Members of the boating public as well as those interested in showing the wearability of life jackets are encouraged to participate.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION, INCLUDING WEBSITE AND PHONE NUMBER.

Media Contact: NAME, TITLE, EMAIL, PHONE

Local Press Release #nationalsafeboatingweek

Use this customizable press release to raise awareness of this effort. Email or fax it to local media. Remember to customize the information in CAPITAL LETTERS and remove this statement before distributing to the media.

For Immediate Release

ORGANIZATION to Host EVENT During National Safe Boating Week

CITY, STATE (DATE) – ORGANIZATION is proud to sponsor EVENT to help promote National Safe Boating Week, May 18-24, the official launch of the 2024 Safe Boating Campaign. This yearlong campaign promotes the value of voluntary, consistent life jacket wear by recreational boaters.

EVENT DETAILS, INCLUDING TIME, LOCATION AND ACTIVITIES OF PUBLIC INTEREST. “QUOTE FROM AN ORGANIZATION OFFICER OR OTHER PROMINENT SUPPORTER.”

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2022, and that 75 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

New life jackets are much 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, please visit safeboatingcampaign.com or ORGANIZATION WEBSITE.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION, INCLUDING WEBSITE AND PHONE NUMBER.

Media Contact: NAME, TITLE, EMAIL, PHONE

Daily Social Media Posts

Find more resources to support social media outreach during National Safe Boating Week.

*Don’t forget to use the hashtag #nationalsafeboatingweek

  • Gear up for a responsible and fun boating season with #nationalsafeboatingweek! Being a responsible boater creates endless possibilities.
  • Always maintain a proper lookout and be aware of other boaters and the environment while boating. (Post on Day 1 with the following image: Facebook or Twitter)
  • Be sure everyone wears a U.S. Coast Guard approved, properly fitting life jacket while boating. (Post on Day 2 with the following image: Facebook or Twitter)
  • Did you know the environment may stress your body & mind enough to make the risk of an accident much greater while boating? (Post on Day 3 with the following image: Facebook or Twitter)
  • Heading out on the water? Make sure you wear a life jacket and have other required boating gear. (Post on Day 4 with the following image: Facebook or Twitter)
  • Check the latest weather forecast before you leave shore. Hop on over to weather.gov for the latest updates. (Post on Day 5 with the following image: Facebook or Twitter)
  • Raise your hand if you took a safe boating course & got a vessel safety check. We did! (Post on Day 6 with the following image: Facebook or Twitter)
  • There are many dangers to boating under the influence. Protect your life and others – never BUI! (Post on Day 7 with the following image: Facebook or Twitter)

Newsletter

The following is a suggested newsletter to share with your constituents prior to and during National Safe Boating Week. Please update with your local event information.

Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day

Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day is Friday, May 17, 2024. Let’s flood social media with life jacket images and boating safety tips. We love boating – let’s share it with others. It’s easy to participate. Wear your life jacket at work (or at home), snap a picture and share on social media with the hashtag #wearyourlifejacketatworkday. Be sure to tag us too! (@BoatingCampaign on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram)

Hint, there may be prizes awarded throughout the day from the Safe Boating Campaign for the most creative photos!

Following Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day is National Safe Boating Week from May 18-24, 2024. This is a great opportunity to continue the momentum from Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day by sharing favorite boating memories and safety tips on social media.

National Safe Boating Week

National Safe Boating Week is May 18-24, 2024! Join us in sharing daily boating safety tips throughout the week on social media. In many areas, the water is open! It’s now more important than ever to share about boating safety within our communities. You may share the post from our Facebook page (ADD LINK) or Twitter page (ADD LINK), or post the content below to your account each morning. Thank you for your support in encouraging others to boat responsibly! Remember to use the hashtag #nationalsafeboatingweek. Learn more at SafeBoatingCampaign.com.

Letter to the Editor

The following is a suggested letter to the editor to share with your local newspaper in advance of National Safe Boating Week. Encourage the editor to publish the article during National Safe Boating Week. Personalize the letter for your local community and update with the annual event dates.

Dear Editor,

Summer is a great time to enjoy local waters. Whether you’re a boater, angler, or water sports enthusiast in <LOCAL COMMUNITY>, please remember to be responsible around the water. May 18-24, 2024 is National Safe Boating Week. The Safe Boating Campaign, led by the National Safe Boating Council, offers these tips for practicing social distancing and safety while boating:

1. Wear a life jacket. No matter what activity you have planned on the water, always remember to wear a life jacket every time you are on the water. Accidents on the water can happen much too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket.

2. Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved, appropriate for your water activity and fits properly. A life jacket that is too large or too small can cause different situational problems.

3. Know state boating laws. Rules and laws can differ from state to state and violations can result in ticketing, fines or jail time.

4. Take a boating safety course.Learn valuable tips that can help save your life in unexpected situations.

5. Make sure your boat is prepared. There are many items that need to be checked and rechecked on any boat. Schedule a Vessel Safety Check with your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons before you hit the water. Every Vessel Safety Check is conducted 100 percent free of charge.

6. Always file a float plan. File a float plan before you leave shore with someone you trust that includes details about the trip, boat, persons, towing or trailer vehicle, communication equipment, and emergency contacts.

7. Check the weather, including the water temperature. Know the latest marine weather forecast prior to going out, and keep a regular check for changing conditions.

8. Don’t drink while you boat. Where the primary cause was known, alcohol was listed as a leading factor in boating-related deaths.

9. Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Gasoline-powered engines on boats, including onboard generators, produce carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless and odorless gas that can poison or kill someone who breathes too much of it. Be sure to install and maintain a working CO detector, never block exhaust outlets, and always dock, beach or anchor at least 20 feet away from the nearest boat that is running a generator or engine.

10. Keep in touch. Communication devices can be the most important piece of emergency equipment on board a vessel, especially in case of emergency. Be sure to have and know how to use at least two communication devices that work when wet, such as satellite phones, emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRB), VHF radios, and personal locator beacons (PLB).

By following these tips, you can enjoy your boat, the water, sunshine and fresh air responsibly. For additional boating resources and tips, please visit SafeBoatingCampaign.com.

Sincerely,