Wear it! Always Wear Your Life jacket Published May 18, 2010 By Rod Krause 5th Bomb Wing Ground Safety MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- As summer approaches, Americans are looking forward to enjoying our Nation's rivers, lakes and oceans. National statistics show recreational boating is safer today than ever before, with the number of boating fatalities declining even as the number of boats increases. However, lives continue to be lost needlessly, and we must remain committed to boating safety. During National Safe Boating Week, we are reminded that practicing simple steps can make recreational boating safer and more enjoyable. This year's theme, "Wear It!, Always Wear Your Life Jacket", highlights the importance and ease of wearing life jackets. Drowning remains the number one cause of recreational boating fatalities. According to the United States Coast Guard, there were 709 boating fatalities in 2008. In many of these cases, life jackets were available on board, but were useless to the passengers in the boats because the speed and suddenness of the accident prevented them from having time to put on their life jackets. The chances of surviving a serious boating accident increase dramatically by wearing a life jacket. Modern life jackets are smaller, lighter, and more flexible, making them easier and more comfortable to wear. The National Safe Boating Council, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and the U.S. Coast Guard are working with other campaign partners to encourage safe boating practices through the 2010 North American Safe Boating Campaign. In addition to wearing life jackets, the campaign encourages boaters to enroll in a boating safety class, to ensure that boats are properly maintained and checked for safety, to follow regulations and guidelines relating to homeland security issues, and not to consume alcohol when operating a boat. By improving our skills and increasing our knowledge of recreational boating safety, we can reduce the loss of life, the injuries, and the property damage that occur on our waterways. Safe boating also contributes to homeland security and frees the time of public safety officers to focus on enforcement issues. The same Coast Guard members, local police, and fire departments who respond to recreational boating accidents are also responsible for protecting the security of our nation's ports and waterways. By avoiding boating accidents, Americans can help these officials devote more time and effort to safeguarding our homeland. For more information about staying safe on the water, log on to http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com/wear-it-map.htm, or one can also visit the U.S. Coast Guard's Office of Boating Safety website at www.uscgboating.org.