DBW Holds Life Jacket Trade-In Program Statewide this Saturday

What: Life Jacket Trade-In Program provides recreational boaters the opportunity for life jackets to be inspected by professionals. If a life jacket is found to be outgrown or unserviceable, a new, properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket will be given in exchange (one life jacket per family, while supplies last).

Who: California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways

When: Saturday, May 17 from Noon to 2 p.m.

Where: 46 statewide locations

DBW encourages recreational boaters to take part in this life saving program. Life jackets that are too small will not be able to keep your body afloat. Life jackets that are too big will cause the device to push up around the face, which could be dangerous.

California’s 2013 boating accident statistics show that fatalities can be decreased significantly when wearing a life jacket. Of the 38 boating fatalities in 2013, 68 percent of victims drowned. Of that group, 81 percent were not wearing a life jacket. Properly fitted life jackets save lives. There is no excuse not to wear one. Modern life jackets are much more comfortable, lightweight and stylish than the bulky orange style most boaters are familiar with.

The life jacket trade-in is being conducted in coordination with National Safe Boating Week (May 17-23), which aims to spread the message about life jacket wear and other life-saving boating practices.

Visit http://www.WearItCalifornia.com to view the list of trade-in locations, tips and laws on life jackets, and to view information on life jacket loaner stations.