American Power Boat Association joins National Safe Boating Council in waterway well-being unity Announced ahead of observance month, partnership reinforces organizations' commitments to safety.
For the American Power Boat Association, safety is paramount. Of course, when many of our drivers skip across the water at dizzying speeds, it's a no-brainer. Equally as easy is our decision to proudly partner with the National Boat Safety Council, a national 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to promote safer boating through education, outreach and training. "It's important for people to always respect water safety, whether racing a performance craft or relaxing in a bowrider catching some sun," said Dan Wiener, APBA executive director, "That sentiment is exponentially reinforced when you're talking about racing high performance boats every weekend. Safety will forever remain the APBA's top priority for our drivers and members, and so our union with the National Boat Safety Council becomes integral to that goal. We couldn't be happier to partner with their organization." This announcement comes weeks before the nation's observance month and week for water and boating safety. Every May, the National Water Safety Month exists to educate people to prepare and exercise proper water recreation habits. And come May 19, during National Safe Boating Week (through May 25), the NSBC will have people seeing a lot of orange. The National Safe Boating Council (http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/), in partnership with the Canadian Safe Boating Council (http://www.csbc.ca/), invite boating safety professionals, the boating community and the media to participate in "Ready, Set, Wear It!" on Saturday, May 19. Participants in cities around the globe will gather to set a world record for the most life jackets worn and inflatable life jackets inflated. The goal is not only to promote the comfortable and versatile options when it comes to life jackets, but also to educate the public about life jackets and safe boating in general. Organizers will record the participation numbers by video, photographs and sign-in sheets. The slogan "Ready, Set, Wear It," (previously "Ready, Set, Inflate") last year became a rallying cry for 1,685 people who gathered around the world to set a new record for the number of participants who inflated their inflatable life jacket or wore an inherently buoyant life jacket. The National Safe Boating Council and the Canadian Safe Boating Council hope to not only set another world record and surpass 2011's participants, but, most importantly, educate the boating public about the comfort and accessibility of inflatable life jackets. Throughout the year, the North American Safe Boating Campaign focuses on the goal of educating the public about safe boating and life jacket wear, and relies on events like "Ready, Set, Wear It!" and National Safe Boating
Week to bring more awareness to this life-saving cause. The campaign is produced under a grant from the Sports Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. For more information, please visit www.ReadySetWearIt.com or www.SafeBoatingCampaign.com.
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About American Power Boat Association Formed in 1903, the American Power Boat Association is the oldest governing body in motorsports. Headquartered in Eastpointe, Michigan, the APBA has over 3,500 active members and sanctions over 150 races nationwide. to learn more about the APBA visit www.APBA-racing.com.
About the National Safe Boating Council The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) is the foremost coalition for the advancement and promotion of safer boating through education, outreach, and training. The NSBC accomplishes this mission by promoting outreach and research initiatives that support boating education and safety awareness; improving the professional development of boating safety educators through training; and developing and recognizing outstanding boating safety programs. To learn more about the NSBC and its programs, visit http://www.SafeBoatingCouncil.org.
Contact:
Dan Wiener - Executive Director - American Power Boat Association dwiener@apba-racing.com 586-773-9700
Rachel Johnson - Communications Director - National Safe Boating Council outreach@safeboatingcouncil.org (703) 361-4294