STUART, FL – Coast Guard Flotilla 59 has announced its support of “Wear Your Life Jacket to Work” Day on May 16, 2014. Flotilla 59 joins boating professionals and boating enthusiasts to heighten awareness of different life jacket types that are available, including inflatable life jackets, 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 17-23, the official launch of the 2013 North American Safe Boating Campaign. Educating the boating public about the safety and comfort of life jackets has been a main focus on the North American Safe Boating Campaign.
“Wear Your Life Jacket to Work” Day will take place on May 16, wherever you are, but in Stuart jacket wearers are invited to gather at the Stuart River Walk at 12 noon for a group photo.
U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in 70% of recreational boating fatalities in 2011, and that 84 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.
The National Safe Boating Council is asking all participants to take a picture of themselves in their life jacket while at work and post it to the “Ready, Set, Wear It!” Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/ReadySetWearIt) or submit directly to the NSBC at outreach@safeboatingcouncil.org.
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 59 in Sandsprit Park has been serving the boating community on the Treasure Coast for over 70 years. The Flotilla is located in Sandsprit Park at 3443 SE St. Lucie Blvd., Stuart, Florida 34994. Their phone number is (772) 288-0509 and e-mail address is http://cgaux59.org.
For the serious skipper and the week-end boater, there are more aspects of seamanship that can be learned from the US Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Recreational Safe Boating classes taught each month at Flotilla 59’s facility in Sandsprit Park, Stuart.
Remember, boating season never ends on the Treasure Coast.
2013 NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK, MAY 17-23