Nevada launches National Safe Boating Week May 17-23 with proclamation, events
Submitted by editor on Tue, 05/13/2014 - 9:34am
The Nevada Department of Wildlife along with local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and several private businesses in Nevada are joining boating safety advocates across the U.S. and Canada to promote safe and responsible boating during National Safe Boating Week, May 17-23 and through the entire summer.
The national effort in late May is the kick off for a number of programs conducted by NDOW, including new life jacket “loaner” stations, a life jacket giveaway program, outreach to paddle craft users and a boating safety incentive program sponsored by several marinas on Lakes Mead and Mohave. Nevada’s Governor, Brian Sandoval, also signed a proclamation endorsing the Silver State’s participation in the national effort.
“We want people to take advantage of Nevada’s recreational opportunities and to have a good time, but we also want them to come home safe,” said Game Warden Captain David Pfiffner, boating law administrator, NDOW. “The best two ways to be a safe boater are to take a boating education course and to always wear a life jacket.”
In addition to Southern Nevada, NDOW partners with the National Park Service and several marinas at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area to offer discounts and prizes to safe boaters and anyone who takes a boating education course. In June, NDOW will host a life jacket give away in Elko, sponsored by Barrick Gold. More details will be announced for both programs before their individual kick off dates.
National Safe Boating Week is the official launch of the 2014 North American Safe Boating Campaign. The 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.
“Our number one priority is to get more people to wear life jackets,” said Pfiffner. “People too often equate lifejackets with those old, ugly orange things—but life jackets have come a long way in recent years. New life jackets are comfortable, look great and are very comfortable.”
The Nevada Department of Wildlife protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. Find us on Facebook, Twitter or visit us at www.ndow.org.
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