National Safe Boating Week Focuses on Life Jacket Importance

The National Safe Boating Week will be held May 19-25. It is the 60th year of the Safe Boating Campaign, which aims to educate boaters on responsible sailing and the importance of wearing a life jacket.

Resources for boating safety advocates are available at safeboatingcampaign.com, including fact sheets, infographics, posters, videos and logos; most are free of charge. Events vary by area but could include boating safety classes, on-water training and free boat safety checks.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 83 percent of drowning deaths each year happen because the victim was not wearing a life jacket. Drowning account for 80 percent of the hundreds of boating deaths each year.

The campaign had almost 9,000 participants in 2017. This year’s participants can share their photos and safety tips on social media using the hashtags #safeboatingweek and #safeboating. For more information about events in your area, visit safeboatingcampaign.com.