National Safe Boating Council Calls for Safe Boating Stories

National Campaign and Personal Testimonials Promote the Importance of Life Jacket Wear and Safe Boating


WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - Aug 24, 2011) - As the Summer boating season comes to a close, the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) is asking to hear your safe summer boating stories. The NSBC is looking for personal stories of how boaters from across the country have stayed safe on the water this summer by wearing a life jacket. Whether serious or silly, the NSBC is looking for real-life stories to help encourage others to always wear a life jacket each and every time they are on the water.

The initiative is part of the Safe Summer pledge campaign, which began just before the July 4th holiday and will end after Labor Day on Sept. 5, 2011. The campaign encourages boaters and their families to sign an online pledge to stay safe on the water this summer.

"We want to provide boaters with a fun way to spread the word that wearing a life jacket is the easiest way to save a life in case of emergency on the water," said Virgil Chambers, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council. "Unfortunately, not everyone realizes the importance of life jacket safety and these personal stories from real people can be a big inspiration for friends and family."

In exchange for submitting safe boating stories, the NSBC is offering a Summer Fun package, which includes a life jacket, beach towel and Flip Mino HD camcorder. Boaters and the general public can submit their stories by email at outreach@safeboatingcouncil.org or online by visiting http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com/camp-share.htm?utm_source=safe-summer-page&utm_medium=sidebar-internal&utm_content=pledge&utm_campaign=safe-summer.

Those who would like to sign the Safe Summer pledge can do so and share the pledge via social networks by visiting www.safeboatingcampaign.com/camp-pledge.htm.

Life jacket wear by every boater is the leading goal of the North American Safe Boating Campaign. The North American Safe Boating Campaign unites the efforts of a wide variety of boating safety advocates, including NASBLA, the Canadian Safe Boating Council and the 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.

About the National Safe Boating Council
The National Safe Boating Council represents over 330 U.S. and Canadian organizations committed toreducing boating accidents and enhancing the boating experience. Visit www.SafeBoatingCampaign.com for campaign materials and additional safe boating resources. 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 (NASBLA), the Canadian Safe Boating Council and the 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.

Contact Information:

Media Contacts:

Dace de la Foret

(614) 224-8114, ext. 235

Technical Contact:

Rachel Johnson

(703) 361-4294