05-18-2011, 11:10 AM
LITTLETON, Colo. - People have many bad reasons for not wearing life jackets: "It's too hot!" "It doesn't look cool," "I know how to swim," and "Nothing is going to happen to me." That may be why about 500 people who were not wearing life jackets drown each year in recreational boating accidents nationally, including 10 in Colorado. The figures show why it is important to wear life jackets at all times while you are on the water.
That's also the message that Colorado State Parks and the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) will emphasize during National Safe Boating Week, May 21-27, and throughout the 2011 boating season. State Parks and the NSBC are working with their partner organizations to encourage safe and responsible boating, including always wearing a life jacket, and being alert and aware while on the water. Safe boating saves lives. So, for this year's National Safe Boating Week and throughout the boating season, remember to WEAR IT COLORADO!<br />
The week will kick off on Friday, May 20, at Chatfield State Park's swim beach. There, Chatfield rangers will be conducting a joint training exercise with Littleton Fire Department's Dive Rescue Unit focusing on the location, rescue and recovery of victims involved in a major boat accident. Members of the media are welcome and are encouraged to attend to spread the message to the boating public. Representatives from State Parks and the Littleton Fire Department's Dive Rescue Unit will talk about the importance of wearing a life jacket and be available to answer questions.<br />
On Saturday, May 21, the Colorado Boating Safety Program will be in Conifer at the King Soopers shopping center to participate in the Elk Creek Fire Department's Safety Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come and join us as we talk about being safe on lakes and rivers. A patrol boat will be available to climb aboard and there will be activities to test your rescue techniques. Also on that date, there will be an attempt to set the international record for "Ready, Set, Inflate!" In 2010, 1,154 participants throughout North America inflated their personal flotation devices (PFDs) to raise awareness about the importance of wearing a life jacket. Participants at this event will be loaned PFDs until the supply runs out.<br />
On May 25 - 27, the State Parks Boat Safety Program will partner with Barr Lake and Cherry Creek State Parks in Elitch Gardens Education Fun Days. At this event, school classes and groups from all over Colorado will be attending the hands-on learning experiences, including enjoying our waterways safely. Also on May 26, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will provide a boat safety presentation to our men and women in uniform at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs.<br />
For more information on boating safely in Colorado, please visit us on the web at www.parks.state.co.us/boating or on Facebook under Colorado Boating Safely. Regardless of where you decide to boat this summer, please do so safely and remember the big three of boat safety:<br />
 Educate yourself through one of our boat safety classes.<br />
 Wear your life jacket whenever you're onboard.<br />
 Don't booze and boat. The life you save may be your own.<br />
Colorado State Parks get everyone outdoors! Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado's 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado's economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Parks is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state's favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.
That's also the message that Colorado State Parks and the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) will emphasize during National Safe Boating Week, May 21-27, and throughout the 2011 boating season. State Parks and the NSBC are working with their partner organizations to encourage safe and responsible boating, including always wearing a life jacket, and being alert and aware while on the water. Safe boating saves lives. So, for this year's National Safe Boating Week and throughout the boating season, remember to WEAR IT COLORADO!<br />
The week will kick off on Friday, May 20, at Chatfield State Park's swim beach. There, Chatfield rangers will be conducting a joint training exercise with Littleton Fire Department's Dive Rescue Unit focusing on the location, rescue and recovery of victims involved in a major boat accident. Members of the media are welcome and are encouraged to attend to spread the message to the boating public. Representatives from State Parks and the Littleton Fire Department's Dive Rescue Unit will talk about the importance of wearing a life jacket and be available to answer questions.<br />
On Saturday, May 21, the Colorado Boating Safety Program will be in Conifer at the King Soopers shopping center to participate in the Elk Creek Fire Department's Safety Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come and join us as we talk about being safe on lakes and rivers. A patrol boat will be available to climb aboard and there will be activities to test your rescue techniques. Also on that date, there will be an attempt to set the international record for "Ready, Set, Inflate!" In 2010, 1,154 participants throughout North America inflated their personal flotation devices (PFDs) to raise awareness about the importance of wearing a life jacket. Participants at this event will be loaned PFDs until the supply runs out.<br />
On May 25 - 27, the State Parks Boat Safety Program will partner with Barr Lake and Cherry Creek State Parks in Elitch Gardens Education Fun Days. At this event, school classes and groups from all over Colorado will be attending the hands-on learning experiences, including enjoying our waterways safely. Also on May 26, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will provide a boat safety presentation to our men and women in uniform at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs.<br />
For more information on boating safely in Colorado, please visit us on the web at www.parks.state.co.us/boating or on Facebook under Colorado Boating Safely. Regardless of where you decide to boat this summer, please do so safely and remember the big three of boat safety:<br />
 Educate yourself through one of our boat safety classes.<br />
 Wear your life jacket whenever you're onboard.<br />
 Don't booze and boat. The life you save may be your own.<br />
Colorado State Parks get everyone outdoors! Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado's 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado's economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Parks is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state's favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.