As the days get longer and the time to get back out on the water draws nearer, organizations are reminding boaters to review basic safety protocols through the annual Wear It! boating safety campaign.
“Situations on the water can escalate quickly, and wearing a life jacket not only gives you peace of mind to control an emergency situation but can also save your life,” says Rachel Johnson, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council, the lead organization of Wear It!. “Regardless of the life jacket chosen, Wear It!”
Other tips and reminders from the Wear It! campaign include: schedule a vessel safety check with your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary; know the marine forecast and dress for water temperature (not air temperature); file a float plan; never boat under the influence; and, of course, wear a properly fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
The Wear it! campaign is sponsored by a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, which is administered by the U.S. Coast Guard.
To learn more, visit safeboatingcampaign.com.
