A close call on Holt’s Lake in Johnston County is a reminder of how important it is to wear a life jacket. Two people jumped into the water to rescue their dog and had to be saved themselves by a nearby boater. Neither was wearing a life jacket. Fortunately, all three — the individuals and their dog — made it safely to shore. Not every water emergency ends this well. Life jackets save lives. Don’t take the risk.
According to USCG boating statistics, 3 out of every 4 boaters who die in a boating accident drowned and of those deaths, 87% were not wearing a life jacket; many were skilled boaters who could swim. You wouldn’t try to put on a seatbelt during a car crash, and you can’t put on a life jacket in the middle of a boating emergency.
Wearing a life jacket on the water can be critical, so before you head out, make sure everyone has one that fits properly. If you need to borrow one, find a Sea Tow Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Station near you. It could save a life.
Gail R. Kulp
Executive Director
Sea Tow Foundation
I like what you said when you said, You wouldn’t try to put on a seatbelt during a car crash, and you can’t put on a life jacket in the middle of a boating emergency. I never thought of it this way and it makes allot of sense and I used to be in the US Coast Guard. People, wear a life jacket.