MANASSAS, Va. (April 30, 2019) – The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC), a national catalyst for recreational boating safety, has partnered with West Marine to raise awareness of the importance of responsible boating during National Safe Boating Week held May 18-24. Throughout the month of May customers can purchase a West Marine “Wear It” paper life jacket in all West Marine stores. All proceeds will support the NSBC and West Marine’s BlueFuture to further their combined mission of promoting boating and life jacket safety to boaters.
“We’re committed to teaching boaters that the best boating experience is a safe boating experience and encouraged by West Marine’s BlueFuture efforts to instill safe boating habits in boaters at an early age,” said Peg Phillips, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council.
West Marine’s BlueFuture annually distributes much-needed grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to getting kids on the water through boating, fishing, paddling and the marine sciences. This past year, 50 organizations received support from the BlueFuture grant program.
“The National Safe Boating Council is committed to ensuring boaters stay safe while they’re on the water. By partnering with them, it is not only our goal to generate a greater awareness of wearing a life jacket, but also to educate boaters on the importance of safe boating habits,” said Laura Barry, director of marketing communications at West Marine.
National Safe Boating Week kicks off with Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day on Friday, May 17. This annual event is a fun, educational way to heighten life jacket awareness and highlight the various styles. All boating enthusiasts are encouraged to wear their life jacket to work, snap a picture, and share their photo on social media with the hashtags #lifejacket2work and #safeboating.
In addition, many West Marine stores are featuring free events on boating safety throughout the month of May. To find an event near you, visit westmarine.com/store-finder.
About the National Safe Boating Council
Established in 1958, the National Safe Boating Council is the foremost coalition for the advancement and promotion of safer boating through education, outreach, and training. For more information about NSBC programs and professional development opportunities, visit safeboatingcouncil.org.
BlueFuture
BlueFuture is a donor-advised fund set up through the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, and all donations are fully tax-deductible. During West Marine’s National Safe Boating Month fundraising campaign, donations can be made at checkout in a West Marine store or online. To learn more, visit westmarine.com/BlueFuture.
About West Marine
For more than 50 years, West Marine has been the premier retailer of boating, fishing, sailing and paddling gear. With more than 240 stores located in 38 states and Puerto Rico and an eCommerce website reaching domestic, international and professional customers, West Marine is recognized as a leading resource for cruisers, sailors, anglers and paddlesports enthusiasts. West Marine employees share the same love for the water as our customers and provide helpful advice on the gear and gadgets they need to be safe and have fun. To learn more about West Marine, please visit westmarine.com.