The best boating experience for every customer is a safe experience. So it’s important that all marine retailers to actively participate in National Safe Boating Week, May 20-26.
Dealers can begin by promoting “Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day,” scheduled for May 19, to kick off the national outreach. Of course, all dealership employees should wear a PFD that day, but urging customers to participate is equally important. Indeed, every customer, whether working in an office or at home, should be urged to show their love of boating by wearing a life jacket that day. And they might win a prize.
“The National Safe Boating Council can’t wait to see the creative and fun ways boaters wear their life jacket at work for a chance to win a prize,” says Yvonne Pentz, communications director with the National Safe Boating Council.
Here’s how:
1. Tell your customers (and employees) to wear a life jacket to work.
2. Take a photo.
3. Post the photo on social media using the hashtag #wearyourlifejacketatworkday.
4. Tag the Safe Boating Campaign with @boatingcampaign.
Boaters will be randomly selected to win prizes throughout the day.
National Safe Boating Week emphasizes that all boaters should brush up on their safety skills for the new season. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the cause of death in four out of five boating fatalities in 2021, and that 83% of those who drowned were not wearing a life jacket. And there are many great options for comfortable PFDs.
The National Safe Boating Council recommends these tips that dealers can pass to customers via email, their websites, social media or at an in-store event:
• Take a boating safety course There are many options for all levels of experience.
• Check equipment Schedule a free vessel safety check with local Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons unit.
• File a float plan Let someone on shore know your itinerary.
• Wear a life jacket Stowed PFDs are of no use in an emergency.
• Use an engine cut-off device It’s the law.
• Watch the weather Check the forecast before departing and and keep an eye on conditions.
• Know what’s around you Nearly a quarter of all reported boating accidents in 2021 were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout.
• Don’t operate under the influence Always designate a sober skipper.
Take Galati Yacht Sales as an example. To underscore the importance of National Safe Boating Week, Galati offers links to articles and information for its customers:
Memorial Weekend Boating Tips & Safety Guidelines
Tips For Boating In Bad Weather
Boating Safety Guideline for pre-departure & on the Water
Filing a Float Plan
Top Safety Tips for Pets Aboard
Proper Boating Etiquette
Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Yacht Owners
The National Safe Boating Council has a collection of free resources, including infographics, videos, audio clips and fact sheets, to use for promotions.
Be an active player in the safe boating game.
