Wearing a PFD is one of the most effective and simple life-saving strategies for safe recreational boating and required when riding on a Sea-Doo personal watercraft.
With summer fast approaching, families and friends are anxious to enjoy time in the sun and on the water – boating, fishing, riding a Sea-Doo watercraft, paddling and more. During all recreational water activities it’s important to remember safety precautions.
But, with approximately 500 people drowning each year from recreational boating accidents, it is imperative to spread the message of responsible boating and a simple life-saving strategy – “Wear It!” – wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) at all times on the water.
Together with boating safety advocates, the National Safe Boating Council reminds boaters of the importance of boating safety, such as wearing a PFD, boating sober, knowing navigational rules, and having a proper lookout during the 2013 North American Safe Boating Campaign. The yearlong effort kicks off with National Safe Boating Week recognized in the United States and Canada from May 18-24, 2013.
This year during National Safe Boating Week and throughout the campaign the National Safe Boating Council will highlight stories of real boaters whose lives were saved by wearing a PFD.
U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in almost three-fourths of recreational boating fatalities in 2011, and that 84 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets. That’s why boating safety advocates continue to push for increased and consistent PFD wear on the water.
Today’s PFDs are comfortable, stylish and easy to wear. In fact, they don’t even have to be ‘jackets’ anymore. Old-fashioned, bulky orange life jackets have been replaced with new varieties of life jackets, including neoprene and other high quality, low density personal flotation devices.
For personal watercraft and water sports: Inherently buoyant lighter-weight life jackets are rigged, with multiple buckles and clasps to keep them secure after impact with the water. Sea-Doo has a full line up of PFDs designed to fit rider style and budget.
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, Canadian Safe Boating Council and 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, offer on-water training, distribute educational materials and perform free vessel safety checks, among other activities.
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