Montgomery, Ala. (WDNews) – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is asking Alabamians to strap on a life jacket this Friday — even at the office.
May 16 marks “Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day,” part of a national campaign led by the National Safe Boating Council to raise awareness about boating safety. ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division is joining in, encouraging everyone from first responders to outdoor enthusiasts to participate.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said the day is a great reminder of a simple fact: life jackets save lives. “Just like putting on a seat belt when you get into a vehicle, wearing a life jacket should be second nature when you’re on or near the water,” Taylor said.
ALEA’s Colonel Jonathan Archer added that life jackets have come a long way in design. “By wearing them at work, we’re showing how easy it is to stay safe on the water,” Archer said.
The effort comes ahead of National Safe Boating Week, which runs May 17–23. ALEA is encouraging participants to post photos wearing their life jackets to social media using the hashtag #wearyourlifejackettoworkday.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 87 percent of people who drowned in recreational boating accidents in 2023 were not wearing life jackets.
For more information, visit www.aleA.gov or contact [email protected].
