The Sea Tow Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes safe boating practices, announced the launch of its newest social media campaign, “Vest Friends.”
Vest Friends are two or more people wearing life jackets who share a photo or video of themselves on social media to promote PFD wear. The program aims to spread awareness about the importance of wearing PFDs by sharing photos using the hashtag #VestFriends.
“We’re always looking for fun, creative ways to engage with young boaters,” said Sea Tow Foundation executive director Gail R. Kulp in a statement. “By encouraging boaters to share photos of themselves and their friends wearing their life jackets, we hope to get more people used to always wearing one.”
The campaign supplements the Sea Tow Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner Program, through which boaters can borrow life jackets for free. Those who borrow PFDs at loaner stations are encouraged to take a photo with their Vest Friend to share on Facebook and Instagram.
“Our main goal is to ensure all boaters have a fun and safe day on the water each and every time they leave the dock,” Kulp said. “Ensuring each passenger has access to a properly fitting life jacket is one of the keys to that. By showing off their Vest Friends, boaters everywhere can help demonstrate how having fun and being safe can be two sides to the same coin.”
