The DC Harbor Patrol has stepped up its proactive approach to promoting safe boating this year. Harbor Patrol Officers are distributing boating safety materials in the form of safety signs which are posted at all the marinas (pictured), coloring books, temporary tattoos and stickers. A big hit with the kids are the “Wear It!” free t-shirts. Whenever a Harbor Patrol Officer encounters a child wearing his or her life jacket, the officers are handing out a free t-shirt to him or her. Pictured is Officer Patrick Schaut, Harbor Patrol Unit, handing out this popular item to some kids.
Officer Patrick Schaut, Harbor Patrol Unit, hands out the popular "Wear It!" t-shirts to some kids who were wearing their life jackets.
The theme for 2009 focused on the phrase — “Wear It!” — with its emphasis on life jacket wear. This is a variation on the highly successful campaign theme of the past several years. The North American Safe Boating Campaign began in 1957 and has developed throughout the years into a large scale, international campaign. What began as a small, grassroots outreach program has evolved into a targeted media effort, stretching across the United States and into Canada. Working with partner organizations such as the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the Canadian Safe Boating Council, the North American Safe Boating Campaign aims at spreading a message of boating safety, encourages boater education, and helps to save lives.
Submitted by Lieutenant Paul Niepling, May 2009
Officer Patrick Schaut, Harbor Patrol Unit, hands out the popular "Wear It!" t-shirts to some kids who were wearing their life jackets.