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Every year in May, the National Safe Boating Council launches a week-long initiative to raise awareness about the importance of life jacket safety. This year’s global effort, called National Safe Boating Week 2019, is focused on responsible boating and encourages boaters to always wear a life jacket while on the water. You can help spread awareness about National Safe Boating Week 2019 and boating safety by attending events and getting involved on social media.

EVENTS

• May 17, 2019 is Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day. Take a photo of you wearing your life jacket at work and share on social media with the hashtags #lifejacket2work and #safeboating.
• May 18-24, 2019 is National Safe Boating Week 2019.
• Various dates: Ready, Set, Wear It. Events hosted by boating safety advocates that may be a standalone event or incorporated into other local outreach efforts. It is celebrated throughout the summer on various dates.
• June 1-9, 2019 is National Fishing and Boating Week.

GET SOCIAL AND FOLLOW US

Post your safe boating photos or use the free images and educational infographics provided by the Safe Boating Campaign. You can also follow the Safe Boating Campaign accounts and share their fantastic posts. Be sure to use the hashtags!

Facebook: Safe Boating Campaign Instagram: @boatingcampaign Twitter: BoatingCampaign Hashtags
General hashtag: #safeboating Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day: #lifejacket2work National Safe Boating Week: #safeboatingweek Ready, Set, Wear It: #RSWI2019

NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK: BOATING SAFETY FACTS

The goal is to encourage boaters and passengers to wear a life jacket at all times when boating. Here are a few facts from the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2017 Recreational Boating Safety Statistics. Find more helpful facts, resources, and information on the Safe Boating Campaign website.
 

• Drowning is the reported cause of death in 76% of all boating fatalities.
• 84.5% of drowning victims in recreational boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket.
• Drowning was reported as the cause of death in 76% of all fatalities (four out of five people died from drowning).
• Approximately 84.5% of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.
• In 2017, the Coast Guard counted 4,291 accidents that involved 658 deaths, 2,629 injuries and approximately $46 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents.

Today’s life jackets are much more advanced than they used to be. You can find comfortable, lightweight, and stylish options at your local marine supply retailer or even online. As a general reminder, be sure your boat is properly registered and consider taking a boating safety course in your area. Happy National Safe Boating Week!