National Boating Safety Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of safe and responsible boating practices. The National Safe Boating Council is the main sponsor of the event (located in Virginia).

Education offered is for all lake areas including Grand Lake Ok. National Safe Boating Week is officially May 19th through May 25th for 2018.

The National Safe Boating Council offers education to the boating communities about wearing life jackets as well as providing tips concerning the ability to also be comfortable. The council works closely with partner organizations to increase the depth of their network – furthering their reach to provide safety information.

Take the Pledge – The National Safe Boating Council would like for you to take the pledge to always wear your life jacket while boating as well as fishing. The pledge also includes encouraging others to follow safety in the same fashion.

Know the Statistics – Eighty percent (80%) of boating deaths are due to drowning. Eighty-three percent (83%) of victims are not wearing a life jacket during the occurrence. And, two-thirds (33%) of drowning victims were good swimmers. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of deaths occurred on boats where the operator held no safety boating instruction. Data is presented based on 2016 Recreational Boating Statistics from the US Coast Guard.

For more info on getting the facts about safe boating education, please take a few minutes to visit Safe Boating Campaign. Educate the family on the best practices before your personal boating and fishing season begins.

Happy and Safe Boating this new season to you, your family, and friends!