Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day lands on May 15, 2026. It’s a way to remind everyone, from office folks, remote workers to die-hard boaters, about wearing life jackets, no matter where you spend your day. So, on Friday the 15th, toss on your life jacket at work and have some fun with it. The day is part of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global effort pushing boaters to enjoy the water but stay responsible.
Statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard say a lot: three out of four people who died in recreational boating accidents drowned, and 87 percent of them weren’t wearing a life jacket.
Right after that, National Safe Boating Week kicks off, from May 16 to 22, 2026. The National Safe Boating Council leads this annual push, challenging boaters to make safety a priority, especially putting life jackets front and center and making sure their safety equipment is up to snuff. The week is a good time for boaters to double-check their routines, inspect their boats, and get in on some educational programs.
National Safe Boating Week lines up perfectly with the start of boating season in a lot of places. It’s the obvious chance to look over your vessel, update your safety gear, and get ready for everything summer on the water offers.
By getting involved, you help cut down on accidents, keep life jackets top-of-mind, and support a culture where safety comes first out on the water.
Locally, Flotilla 99, Cape Haze, will be out and about handing out boating safety info at these spots: Freedom Boat Club in Englewood, Gasparilla Marina Fuel Dock, Tiki Hut Restaurant, Placida Boat Ramp, the South Gulf Cove lock, and at their Communications/PA trailer at the South Gulf Cove HOA property (14859 Ingraham Blvd).
A quick note about the Coast Guard Auxiliary: they’re the uniformed civilian branch helping the U.S. Coast Guard in pretty much all their missions. Congress established the Auxiliary back in 1939. Want more details? Head to www.cgaux.org.
