In partnership with the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways, will be hosting a free life jacket giveaway and other free activities in recognition of National Safe Boating Day on May 17th. The purpose of the event is to raise boating safety awareness and promote boating safety education in the lead up to the summer boating season.
Free activities on May 17th will include a free life jacket giveaway, a life jacket trade in, a used equipment sale, free kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals, and a stand up paddleboard race sponsored by REI.
Mission Bay Aquatic Center Director Kevin Straw advocates that boating can be a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy, but safety must come first. “No matter your skill level, swimming ability, or boating experience, you should always wear a life jacket while on the water,” says Straw. “ We are excited that the Division of Boating and Waterways is able to help us provide life jackets for the community so that families are able to safely enjoy Mission Bay.”
The US Coast Guard reports that in 2012 almost 71% of all fatal boating accident victims drowned and 85% were not reported as wearing life jackets.
The Mission Bay Aquatic Center is the regional boating safety center for the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways.
For more information on the Boating Safety Day event you can visit the Mission Bay Aquatic Center website at www.mbaquaticcenter.com/safe-boating-day. The Mission Bay Aquatic Center is located at 1001 Santa Clara Place in Mission Beach. The event hours are 8am-6pm.
Labels: Boating Safety, MBAC event