Mission Bay Aquatic Center to host Boating Safety Day, May 25

Event includes a free youth lifejacket giveaway while supplies last!

Mission Bay Aquatic Center, a national leader in boating safety education located on Mission Bay in San Diego, announced today their Boating Safety Day is scheduled for 8:00am-6:00pm, Friday, May 25, 2007 prior to the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Boating Safety Day will help promote National Safe Boating Week (NSBW), May 19-25, 2007, the official launch of the annual North American Safe Boating Campaign. Themed "Wear It!", NSBW is an opportunity for boating safety advocates across the country to promote the value of life jacket wear while on the water.

The Mission Bay Aquatic Center with a grant from the California Department of Boating and Waterways will be giving away FREE lifejackets for children on May 25 (while supplies last). In addition there will be free kayaking instruction and safety demonstrations, a boating safety equipment display sponsored by West Marine, boating safety information fair and free boat safety inspections.

"By giving away free lifejackets to children," says Glen Brandenburg, Director of Mission Bay Aquatic Center. "We are thrilled to do our part right here in San Diego to make sure that we contribute to the national dialogue on the importance of life jackets for children and adults."

Event organizers say that the Boating Safety Day will highlight key messages related to the modern life jacket - to include information on the latest technological advancements and innovations and well as samples of all types of lifejackets. With specialized models for every hobby, water sport, or activity, today's life jackets are designed to accommodate the various styles of boaters.

For example:

• Life vests for paddlers allow for freedom of movement;
• Inflatable jackets accommodate anglers who need multiple pockets for fishing gear;
• Various jackets in camouflage styles suit hunters;
• Belt pack styles are perfect for leisure boaters who want to enjoy unencumbered days on the water, freely sporting that summer tan!
• Specialized life jackets are also designed for children, and even pets!  

Recent statistics released by the U.S. Coast Guard support the generally accepted fact that lifejackets are the proven number one way to save a life on the water. In 2005, drowning was reported as the cause of death for 70 percent of all boating fatalities - and of those, approximately 87 percent of boaters were NOT wearing their life jackets.

Visit www.safeboatingcampaign.org for campaign materials and additional safe boating resources .