Boating Public to Wear Life Jackets to Work on May 17
05/16/2019 – TULSA, OK – The Coast Guard Auxiliary announced today its support of Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day on Friday, May 17, 2019 in an effort to remind people of the importance of life jacket safety.
U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2017, and that approximately 84.5 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.
“Water activities are fun for the entire family, and to ensure the greatest amount fun throughout the summer months, be sure everyone is wearing a life jacket, because they float, you don’t,” reminds Tracy DeLaughter, District Commodore Eight Western Rivers, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary joins boating professionals and outdoor enthusiasts to heighten awareness of different life jacket styles that are available, and demonstrate their comfort and versatility by wearing them to work.
The annual event, hosted by the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) serves as a fun, educational element just prior to National Safe Boating Week, May 18-24, the official launch of the 2019 Safe Boating Campaign. Educating the boating public about the safety and comfort of life jackets has been a focus of the campaign, and members of the boating public, as well as those interested in promoting life jacket safety, are encouraged to participate.
Members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary will provide safe boating tips and demonstrate proper life jacket use at West Marine Store in Tulsa on Friday, May 17 from 2–6 p.m. and Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition, boaters can sign up for a free vessel safety check for powerboats, sailboats, jet skis and paddle crafts. This event is open to the public.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org
