The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office is kicking off National Safe Boating Week with an attempt to set the world record for the most life jackets worn. "Ready, Set, Wear It!" will take place Saturday, May 18th.
Idaho Boating Safety Class students will gather at the Kootenai County Search and Rescue building to model different types and varieties of personal floatation devices. It is part of a year long effort by the North American Safe Boating Campaign to promote safe and responsible boating.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 84 percent of boaters who drowned in 2011 were not wearing life jackets.
"Each year, as many as 500 lives could have been saved if boaters had worn their life jackets," said Virgil Chambers, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council. "New life jackets on the market today make it easier than ever for a boater to have fun and stay safe on the water."
"Ready, Set, Wear It!" will promote the newer, more versatile life jackets and show that there are more comfortable options than the giant, orange, cumbersome life jackets of your youth.
