Local Marina Promotes Safe Boating Week May 18-24

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE – For the second straight year, Bridgewater Marina and Boat Rentals will direct a social media campaign aimed at promoting National Safe Boating Week, May 18-24.

“We got a lot of positive feedback about the campaign last year,” said Ryan Waters, Bridgewater Marina partner. “It runs the week before Memorial Day weekend, which is traditionally the kickoff to boating season at Smith Mountain Lake. People really seemed to appreciate us sharing reminders to ensure all boaters have a safe and enjoyable experience whenever they’re on the water.”

The campaign will include daily safe boating tips and infographics shared via Bridgewater Marina’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.

Topics include tips on essential equipment to have on board, the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the importance of using weather forecasts to make safe boating decisions, and how to choose a properly fitting life jacket.

The week also marks the official launch of the 2019 Safe Boating Campaign, a yearlong initiative designed to heighten awareness of boating safety issues and promote the value of voluntary, consistent life jacket use by recreational boaters.

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2017, and that nearly 85 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets, according to the National Safe Boating Council.

“There are life jacket styles available for any boating activity,” Waters said. “And the jackets today are much more lightweight and comfortable than in the past.”

For more information, please visit safeboatingcampaign.com or bwmarina.com. To get the daily safe boating tips, follow Bridgewater Marina on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.