U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary Public Affairs
May 17, 2012
Contact: Bill Swank
Public Affairs Officer
http/cgaux.org
News Release
National Safe Boating Week
WASHINGTON – The 2012
National Safe Boating Week campaign kicks off Saturday, May 19 with Coast Guard
Auxiliary units promoting recreational boating safety around nation.
The campaign – which runs through May 25 -- is dedicated to helping
boaters understand the need for boating education and Vessel Safety Checks, as
well as the importance of wearing life jackets while boating.
“National Safe Boating Week gives us an opportunity to
reflect on the safe operation of boats on the water. The incidents we study bring home the need
for simple safety precautions while underway,” said Coast Guard Auxiliary
National Commodore Jim Vass.
According
to National Association of the Boating Law Administrators report, total fatalities in 2010 dropped to
672, the lowest number on record. The study also found that almost 75 percent
of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 88 percent were
not wearing a life jacket. There were 3,153 injuries and approximately
$35.5 million dollars of property damage in 2010 as a result of recreational
boating. Operator
inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed, and
alcohol use rank as the top five primary contributing factors in accidents.
“We encourage everyone to wear their life jackets and use a
‘kill switch’ while boating, “ Vass said.
“Frequently, we see young children in life jackets, but their parents
are not wearing them. All of us need to wear a life jacket to protect ourselves
and set a good example for others. I wish the boaters of America a safe boating
season.”
.
Coast Guard Auxiliary flotillas around the country will be
hosting special events to reinforce the safe boating message during NSBW,
including free vessel safety checks at local marinas, boating safety classes
and other special events. Check your
local newspaper for NSBW events near you.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the
uniformed volunteer Component of the United States Coast Guard created by an
Act of Congress in 1939. The Auxiliary, supports the Coast Guard in nearly all
of the service’s missions.
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