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National Safe Boating Council Launches 'Float Yourself' Online Photo Contest to Promote Safe Boating and Life Jacket Safety

Posted on: Wednesday, 3 June 2009, 06:00 CDT

Online photo contest allows visitors to personalize boating safety

WASHINGTON, June 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) has launched the "Float Yourself" online photo contest to promote life jacket safety and overall safe boating practices. The "Float Yourself" contest Web site (www.FloatYourselfContest.com) allows visitors to personalize several boating safety scenarios by adding their face to humorous photos that feature characters wearing life jackets.

"Boating safety is no laughing matter, but being safe doesn't mean you can't have a little fun," said Virgil Chambers, Executive Director of the National Safe Boating Council. "The overall purpose of this online photo contest is to illustrate the simple, lifesaving step of wearing a life jacket while boating. Approximately 90 percent of those who drown during a recreational boating accident are not wearing a life jacket, and by addressing this issue head-on and really demonstrating the importance of life jacket wear, that's going to make the difference."

To enter the contest, visitors can simply upload a photo into one of the existing images in the "Floato Album" (Floato, like photo, get it?). The picture is then posted in the "Floato Gallery" and can then shared with friends and family. Visitors can vote for their favorite entry by entering the "Floato Gallery" and clicking on the thumbnail version of their favorite photo. The participant who receives the most votes at the end of the contest will win a personalized iPod Nano.

The "Float Yourself" online photo contest is just one component of the North American Safe Boating Campaign, which kicked off officially with National Safe Boating Week, May 16 - 22. The campaign, through its theme "Wear It!," encourages recreational boaters to wear a life jacket at all times while boating. The old-fashioned, bulky orange life jacket most people are used to has been replaced with innovative new options including new inflatable styles. Life jackets are available in a wide variety of compact, lightweight and attractive styles suitable for constant wear.

The "Float Yourself" online photo contest runs through September 7, 2009. Winners will be announced following the end of the contest. Entry submissions and contest details may be found at www.FloatYourselfContest.com or on the National Safe Boating Council's Web site at www.SafeBoatingCampaign.com.

The North American Safe Boating Campaign unites the efforts of a wide variety of boating safety advocates, including NASBLA, the Canadian Safe Boating Council and the many members of the National Safe Boating Council. The campaign is produced under a grant from the Sports Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. Partners hold local events, teach classes, distribute educational materials and perform free Vessel Safety Checks, among other activities.

About the National Safe Boating Council

The National Safe Boating Council represents over 330 U.S. and Canadian organizations committed to reducing boating accidents and enhancing the boating experience. Visit www.SafeBoatingCampaign.com for campaign materials and additional safe boating resources.

SOURCE The National Safe Boating Council

Source: PR Newswire

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