National Safe Boating Week–A life jacket can save a boater’s life - “Wear It!”

National Safe Boating Week is May 21-27 In 2014, approximately 87.3 million adult Americans participated, at least once, in recreational boating, i.e. powerboats, sailboats or man-powered vessels such as rowing and paddle boats and that number is expected to rise in 2016.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, in 2015, there were 4,158 accidents that involved 626 deaths, 2,613 injuries and approximately $42 million worth of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents.

Compared to 2013, the number of accidents and deaths has risen to over 2% while the number of injuries has fallen. Where cause of death was known, 76% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims, 85% were not wearing a life jacket.

In regards to instruction, reports indicate 71% of deaths that occurred on boats, the operator had not received boating safety instruction while 15% of deaths that occurred on vessels, the operator had received nationally-approved boating safety education.

“No matter the type of boat or boating activity you choose,” Prince William County Fire & Rescue Chief Kevin McGee, “take the necessary precautions to reduce risks and stay safe.”

National Safe Boating Week is an annual, year-long campaign, “Wear It!” promotes safe and responsible boating to include consistent wearing of a life jacket.

This year’s theme, “Wear It!” is a reminder, when on the water, unexpected situations can occur and escalate; wearing a life jacket will not only give you peace of mind in controlling an emergency situation but it can also save your life.

In 2015, 22 children under the age of 13, lost their lives while boating; 12 of those children drowned; 5 were not wearing life jackets and were not required to do so under State Law.

Chief McGee advises parents/caregivers, “When participating in recreational boating, protect yourself and your loved ones by wearing a lifejacket; be consistent, be a role model for others, especially young children, and ‘Wear It!’.”

For more information on safe boating tips, visit the North American Safe Boating Campaign http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com the N,ational Safe Boating Council http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org and t,he U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division http://www.uscgboating.org.