Army Corps promotes Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day

The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:

(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) (May 12) — The Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District, announced today its support of 2015 Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day. It will take place Friday wherever you are.

“You might stand out a little, but you will help show your colleagues that if it’s easy enough to wear a life jacket in the office, then it is simple to wear when on or near the water,” said Little Rock District Commander Col. Courtney W. Paul.

The Little Rock District 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 serves as a fun educational element just prior to National Safe Boating Week, May 16-22, the official launch of the 2015 North American Safe Boating Campaign. Educating the boating public about the safety and comfort of life jackets has been a main focus of the North American Safe Boating Campaign.

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 use #ReadySetWearit on Twitter.

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in 77 percent of recreational boating fatalities in 2013, and that about 84 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

Members of the boating public as well as those interested in showing the wearability of life jackets are encouraged to participate. More information about the event and safe boating is available at www.Facebook.com/ReadySetWearIt.

By Professional Mariner Staff