Sea Tow promotes life jacket safety as boating season ramps up

WILMINGTON (WWAY) — It’s “Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day,” and with plenty of people expected out on the water this sunny weekend, the timing is serving as an important reminder.

“According to the most recent Coast Guard statistics, three out of four fatal boating accidents — the victims drowned. Of those, 87% were not wearing a life jacket,” says Gali Kulp, head of the Sea Tow Foundation.

“Wearing a life jacket is the simplest way to make sure that you can continue boating every day.”

The marine rescue service seen across the Cape Fear is helping make life jackets more accessible as boating season kicks into full gear.

Kulp says Sea Tow has over 1,300 life jacket loaner stations across the country, set up as a borrow-and-return system. Each station has jackets sized for adults and children. You can find a station near you on BoatingSafety.com.

Beyond simply wearing a life jacket, Kulp says it’s important to make sure it fits properly. She demonstrated proper fit using her little friend “Toby,” a bumblebee plushie. The life jacket is meant to be snug to the point where pulling on the shoulders won’t bring it over the ears. Also, ensure the crotch strap is secured, especially for child-sized life jackets.

In addition to wearing a properly fitted life jacket, always have a sober captain on board and make sure you take a boating safety class before you get behind the wheel.