The weather is finally warming up, the countdown to summer begins, and boating season is here.
Unfortunately, too often both experienced and inexperienced boaters have a false sense of security and don’t wear life jackets. U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in almost three-fourths of recreational boating fatalities, and that 85 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets. North Carolina ranks No. 6 in the nation for boating accidents and No. 7 in the nation for boating fatalities, with boating mishaps causing more than 23 deaths in the state in 2012 alone. In preparation for the summer boating season, the National Safe Boating Council is kicking off its national Wear It! campaign promoting safe boating and life jacket wear with National Safe Boating Week, which begins this weekend and runs from May 17-23.