Ready, Set, #WearIt!

Today marks the beginning of National Safe Boating Week (May 16-22), and the launching of the 2015 North American Safe Boating Campaign. This yearlong campaign promotes safe and responsible boating and the value of voluntary, consistent life jacket wear by recreational boaters through the national theme, Wear It!

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in 78 percent of recreational boating fatalities in 2014, and 84 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

The good news is that today’s life jackets are much more comfortable, lightweight, and stylish than the bulky orange style most boaters know. Life jackets that use inflatable technologies are cool and comfortable. They may resemble a pair of suspenders or a belt pack. Many inflate automatically when immersed in water. 

Whether you are canoeing, kayaking, rafting, or SUPing, please remember that your life jacket only works if you wear it. It's not enough to just take it with you. Accidents happen much too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket. 

The ACA will be sharing advice on safe paddling all week long for #SafeBoatWeek, so be sure to check in with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates. 

For more paddling safety tips and advice, please take a look at the following free resources: 

• SUP Leashes & Lifejackets - When to Wear, When Not to Wear:
  www.americancanoe.org/SUP_PSA
• Top 10 Safety Tips:
  www.americancanoe.org/Top10
• Animated Videos: www.americancanoe.org/AnimatedVideos
• Paddle Ready app: www.americancanoe.org/PaddleReady

Have questions about safe boating? Email us, or tweet your questions to us @americancanoe! We love hearing from you. Paddle on!