2014 North American Safe Boating Campaign. General Resource Kit

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2 North American Safe Boating Campaign General Resource Kit Contents Introduction to the Campaign 3 Campaign Partners 4 Overview Press Release 5 Recreational Boating Safety Facts 7 Ready, Set, Wear It! Life Jacket World Record Day 9 Life Jacket Facts and Safe Boating Tips 10

3 3 Introduction to the 2014 Campaign A Message from the Executive Director of the National Safe Boating Council It s tempting not to wear a life jacket while on the water, especially on nice days. You want to get some sun, you think you ll get too hot, or you think you re a strong swimmer. But whether you re going fishing or just enjoying a ride on the boat, there s never an excuse not to wear a life jacket. You can have a great time, while choosing to always wear a life jacket and boating responsibly. At the National Safe Boating Council, we believe life jacket wear is the simplest strategy to stay safe while boating, fishing, paddling and more. According to recent U.S. Coast Guard statistics, drowning was the reported cause of death in almost three-fourths of all boating fatalities in Of those, 85 percent were reported as not wearing their life jackets. The North American Safe Boating Campaign is a yearlong effort in the U.S. and Canada focused on spreading the message of boating safety and the critical importance of consistent life jacket wear each and every time on the water. In addition to life jacket wear, the campaign also reminds boaters of the importance of boating safely, including taking a boating safety course and never boating under the influence, knowing navigational rules and having a proper lookout. Simply known as Wear It!, the annual campaign kicks off the weekend before Memorial Day with National Safe Boating Week and continues throughout the year. Thank you to all our new and returning partners as we continue in this important mission. We are happy to report that all 50 states have adopted the Wear It! message to promote safe boating. We look forward to another great campaign, leveraging the successful messages of the past and adding new tactics to reach an ever-broadening audience of boating participants. Here is a preview of this year s campaign: Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day (May 16, 2014) Ready, Set, Wear It! Life Jacket World Record Day (May 17, 2014) National Safe Boating Week (May 17-23, 2014) National Fishing and Boating Week (June 1-8, 2014) Operation Dry Water (June 27-29, 2014) Boater survivor stories, contests and social media campaign Public service announcement campaign Please take a moment to review this General Resource Kit and learn what Wear It! has to offer. This kit is a trusted resource by the media and boating enthusiasts about boating safety. If you are involved or will be involved with media or community outreach efforts, Additional Media Resources and Additional Campaign Resources kits are also available. If you don t find what you need, please visit SafeBoatingCampaign.com or ymoslehian@safeboatingcouncil.org. Have a happy, and safe, 2014 boating season! Rachel Johnson Executive Director

4 4 National Safe Boating Council Campaign Partners For a complete list of partners visit SafeBoatingCampaign.com. National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) The National Safe Boating Council (SafeBoatingCouncil.org) represents over 330 U.S. and Canadian organizations committed to reducing boating accidents and enhancing the boating experience. Visit SafeBoatingCouncil.org for safe boating resources and campaign materials. Contact: Rachel Johnson Phone: (703) Fax: (703) rjohnson@safeboatingcouncil.org U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division The mission of the National Recreational Boating Safety Program is to ensure the public has a safe, secure, and enjoyable recreational boating experience by implementing programs designed to minimize the loss of life, personal injury, and property damage while cooperating with environmental and national security efforts. The U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division (USCGBoating.org) Phone: (202) National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (nasbla.org) represents boating authorities from all 50 states and U.S. territories. NASBLA advocates uniform boating laws from state to state; fosters partnerships and cooperation among recreational boating safety organizations; and protects, promotes and enhances safe and enjoyable boating on our nation s waters. Contact: Tom Hayward Phone: (859) tom@nasbla.org Canadian Safe Boating Council The Canadian Safe Boating Council (csbc.ca) is in the business of promoting safe and responsible boating throughout Canada. As an alliance of members committed to preventing boating injuries and drownings, the Canadian Safe Boating Council works to achieve its mission by providing professional development for its members and its other partner organizations in Canada. Phone: (905)

5 5 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Boating Safety Advocates Remind Boaters to Wear It! During National Safe Boating Week, May Life jacket wear is an effective and simple life-saving strategy for safe recreational boating (Washington, D.C.) Boating safety advocates across the U.S. and Canada are teaming up to promote safe and responsible boating, including consistent life jacket wear each and every time boaters are on the water, during National Safe Boating Week, held from May 17-23, National Safe Boating Week is the official launch of the 2014 North American Safe Boating Campaign. This yearlong campaign promotes safe and responsible boating and the value of voluntary life jacket wear by recreational boaters through the national theme, Wear It! Every day I hear about the grim consequences of not wearing a life jacket while boating, said Rachel Johnson, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council, the lead organization for the Wear It! campaign. You can still have fun on the water while choosing to always wear a life jacket and boating responsibly. U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in almost three-fourths of recreational boating fatalities in 2012, and that 85 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets. That s why boating safety advocates continue to push for increased and consistent life jacket wear on the water. Accidents on the water happen much too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket, said John Johnson, chief executive officer of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. It s important that everyone consistently wears a life jacket while on the water and always boats responsibly. Today s life jackets 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 innovative options, such as inflatable life jackets, allowing mobility and flexibility for activities like boating, fishing, paddling or hunting, and are much cooler in the warmer weather. This year during National Safe Boating Week and throughout the year, the campaign will highlight stories of real boaters whose lives were saved by wearing a life jacket. In addition, the campaign will remind boaters of the importance of boating safely, including consistent life jacket wear, boating sober, knowing navigational rules and having a proper lookout. 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,

6 6 teach classes, offer on-water training, distribute educational materials and perform free vessel safety checks, among other activities. Be sure to follow the campaign on Twitter at twitter.com/boatingcampaign and like us at facebook.com/safeboatcampaign. Share your boating story at SafeBoatingCampaign.com. About the National Safe Boating Council The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) is the foremost coalition for the advancement and promotion of safer boating through education, outreach and training. The NSBC accomplishes this mission by promoting outreach and research initiatives that support boating education and safety awareness; improving the professional development of boating safety educators through training; and developing and recognizing outstanding boating safety programs. Visit SafeBoatingCampaign.com for campaign materials and additional safe boating resources. Media Contact: Yvonne Pentz Paul Werth Associates Phone: (440) Technical Contact: Yalda Moslehian National Safe Boating Council Phone: (703) ###

7 7 Recreational Boating Safety Facts All figures are from the U.S. Coast Guard s 2012 Recreational Boating Safety Statistics, the latest official record of reported recreational boating accidents. The full report is available online at: Drowning was reported as the cause of death in almost three-fourths of all fatalities. Approximately 85 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets. In 2012, the Coast Guard counted 4,515 accidents that involved 651 deaths, 3,000 injuries and approximately $38 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. Approximately 14 percent of deaths occurred on boats where the operator had received boating safety instruction. Operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, machinery failure and excessive speed are the top five primary contributing factors in accidents. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents; it was listed as the leading factor in 17 percent of the deaths. Twenty-four children under age thirteen lost their lives while boating in Forty-two percent of the children who died in 2012 did so from drowning. The most common types of vessels involved in reported accidents were open motorboats (47%), personal watercraft (19%) and cabin motorboats (15%). National Recreational Boating Statistics Fatalities: 651 Drownings: 459 Injuries (requiring medical treatment beyond first aid): 3,000 Boating Accidents: 4,515 Property Damage: $38,011,601 Number of registered recreational boats in the U.S.: 12,101,936

8 Top-Ranking States for Boating Deaths Source: U.S. Coast Guard 2012 Recreational Boating Safety Statistics RANK STATE TOTAL DEATHS 1 Florida 50 2 California 49 3 Texas 32 4 Washington 30 5 New York 27 6 Louisiana 25 7 North Carolina/Wisconsin (tie) 23 8 Arkansas 22 9 Tennessee Oregon Top-Ranking States for Reported Boating Accidents Source: U.S. Coast Guard 2012 Recreational Boating Safety Statistics RANK STATE TOTAL ACCIDENTS 1 Florida California New York Texas Tennessee North Carolina/Maryland (tie) Missouri Ohio Louisiana New Jersey 128

9 9 Ready, Set, Wear It! Life Jacket World Record Day Prepare to participate in the boating safety awareness event of the year! As a kickoff for this year s National Safe Boating Week (May 17 23, 2014), the National Safe Boating Council and Canadian Safe Boating Council will host the fifth annual Ready, Set, Wear It! Life Jacket World Record Day on May 17. This one-day event is part of the North American Safe Boating Campaign, simply known as Wear It!, a yearlong effort which brings together boating safety partners across the U.S. and Canada to promote safe and responsible boating, including voluntary wear of life jackets. To make this event a success, we need your help! Ready, Set, Wear It! is about raising awareness about the importance of wearing a life jacket. On May 18, 2013 we made history when 5,774 participants at more than 185 events around the world participated in this fun and educational world record event. Nearly 13,000 people have participated in the world record event since On Saturday, May 17, 2014, we re asking boating safety educators and partner organizations to organize an event in their community. Boaters will gather across the world to inflate their own inflatable life jacket or to wear an inherently buoyant life jacket, helping to heighten awareness of different life jacket types and boating safety issues and go for a world record along the way. It s always a good idea to inspect each of your life jackets to ensure they re in good condition and test your inflatable life jacket each year now you have a chance to do it! All of the information and details you need to organize and participate in this event can be found at ReadySetWearIt.com or SafeBoatingCampaign.com. Join us to make your mark in history. Help us break the world record!

10 10 Life Jacket Facts Today s Life Jacket: Style, Variety and Comfort Most boaters know they re required to have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket on board for every passenger on their boat. Boating safety advocates recommend that all boaters and passengers not only have a life jacket, but Wear It! at all times while boating. Accidents on the water can happen much too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket. Of those who died in boating accidents in 2012, almost three-fourths of all accident victims drowned and 85 percent of those who drowned were not wearing a life jacket. 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. Other life jacket styles are available for almost any boating activity. For fishing: Vest-style life jackets come with features such as pockets and clips to replace the fishing vest and keep the angler safe. For personal watercraft and water sports: Inherently buoyant lighter-weight life jackets are rugged, with multiple buckles and clasps to keep them secure after impact with the water. For hunting and cold weather: Full coats and suits are available in camouflage colors for waterfowl hunting National Safe Boating Council PH: (703) FX: (703) SafeBoatingCampaign.com

11 11 and for those who boat when air and water temperatures are cool. For paddling: Special life jackets are designed with large openings for arms to allow ease of movement. For children: Virtually all styles available are sized especially for children some with cartoon characters, straps for pulling children from the water and high-visibility schemes. For pets: Life jackets are even available for our four-legged friends. It s helpful to purchase one with a handle on top to easily pull your pet out of the water, if needed. No matter what the activity or style chosen, the most important thing is this: Remember to grab a life jacket and Wear It! How to Choose the Right Life Jacket Looking for a life jacket? Today s life jackets come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and materials. No matter which life jacket you choose, be sure it s right for YOU, your planned activities and the water conditions you expect to encounter. Try It On Check the manufacturer s ratings for your size and weight. Make sure the life jacket is properly zipped or buckled. Raise your arms straight up over your head while wearing your life jacket and ask a friend to grasp the tops of the arm openings, gently pulling up. If there is excess room above the openings and the life jacket rides up over your chin or face, it does NOT fit properly. A snug fit in these areas signals a properly fitting life jacket. Fit Facts It is extremely important that you choose a properly fitting life jacket. Life jackets that are too big will cause the flotation device to push up around your face, which could be dangerous. Life jackets that are too small will not be able to keep your body afloat.

12 12 Important Reminders Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved. Double check that your life jacket is appropriate for your favorite water activities. Take the time to ensure a proper fit. A life jacket that is too large or too small can cause different situational problems. Life jackets meant for adults do not work for children. If you are boating with children, make sure they are wearing properly fitted, child-sized life jackets. Do not buy a life jacket for your child to grow into. On recreational boats underway, children under 13 years old must wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket unless they are below decks or in an enclosed cabin. Some state laws vary - check with your local Marine Law Enforcement Authorities.

13 13 Boating Safety Tips Life Jacket Safety Tips 1. No matter what activity you have planned boating, fishing, paddling and more always remember to wear a life jacket every time you are on the water. Accidents on the water can happen much too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket. Drowning is the cause of death in almost three-fourths of boating fatalities and approximately 85 percent of those who drown are not wearing life jackets. 2. Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved. Double-check that your life jacket is appropriate for your favorite water activities. 3. Take the time to ensure a proper fit. A life jacket that is too large or too small can cause different situational problems. 4. Life jackets meant for adults do not work for children. If you are boating with children, make sure they are wearing properly fitted, child-sized life jackets. Do not buy a life jacket for your child to grow into. 5. On recreational boats underway, children under 13 years old must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket unless they are below decks or in an enclosed cabin. Some state laws vary check with your local Marine Law Enforcement Authorities. Additional Safe Boating Tips 1. Don t drink while you boat. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents; it was listed as the leading factor in 19 percent of deaths. For more information on boating under the influence, visit OperationDryWater.org. 2. Know your state s boating laws before you get out on the water. Rules and laws can differ from state to state and violations can result in ticketing, fines or jail time. 3. Make sure your boat is as prepared as you are. There are many items that need to be checked and rechecked on any boat. Schedule a Vessel Safety Check with your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons before you hit the water. 4. Check the weather. Know the latest marine weather forecast prior to going out, and keep a regular check for changing conditions. 5. Keep in touch. Communication devices can be the most important piece of emergency equipment on board a vessel, especially in case of emergency. Cell phones, satellite phones, emergency position indicating radio beacons, VHF radios and personal locator beacons can all contribute in an emergency situation.