Boating Safety Partners Advise Boaters to Be Prepared with Life Jacket Gear for Every Member of The Family

Now that school's over, is your family ready for the water? If you do not have a life jacket for every member of the family to always wear while boating, the answer is no.

The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) encourages life jacket wear as the No. 1 safety measure to protect your family in the event of a boating accident. By always choosing to "Wear It!" your family can enjoy a safe and enjoyable summer on the water.

"Life jackets are not just for adults or just for kids," said Virgil Chambers, Executive Director of the National Safe Boating Council. "They are for every member of the family, for every age, at all times while on the water. Approximately 90 percent of recreational boating drowning victims don't wear a life jacket. It's just not worth the risk for any member of the family to go without wearing one."

Fortunately, today's life jackets appeal to all ages with a range of stylish and comfortable choices. Younger children can be outfitted with a life jacket that has their favorite cartoon character or favorite color that makes them excited to be wearing the life jacket. Teenagers who are focused on appearance can choose options that enhance rather than detract from their appearance. Adults also have many more options than in the past, including customized gear for activities such as fishing and hunting. And, life jackets are available in a range of prices providing a reasonably priced investment in family safety.

Life jacket wear by every boater is the leading goal of the North American Safe Boating Campaign, which kicked off officially with National Safe Boating Week, May 16 - 22. By setting an example this summer, parents can instill a lifetime of life jacket wear for their children.

The North American Safe Boating Campaign unites the efforts of a wide variety of boating safety advocates, including the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (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. Partners hold local events, teach classes, distribute educational materials and perform free Vessel Safety Checks, among other activities.

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.