SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) announces the 14th Annual Life Jacket Trade-In. Events will be held at 30 locations across the state on May 24 and 25.

Of the 53 boating fatalities reported to DBW last year, 33 drowned. All drowning victims were found without life jackets on. It is important for all water enthusiasts, no matter how young or old, to wear properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Life jackets that are too small will not be able to keep bodies afloat. Life jackets that are too big can slip off or push up around the face area, which could be dangerous.

The life jacket trade-in gives water enthusiasts the opportunity to have their life jackets inspected by professionals. If a life jacket is found to be outgrown or unserviceable, a new, properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket will be given in exchange. (One life jacket per family, while supplies last.) Click here for event locations.

This year’s partners include Big Bear Municipal Water District, CBS Radio, Department of Parks and Recreation, Drowning Accident Rescue Team, Kohl’s Department Stores, Radio Disney, Sacramento Safe Kids Coalition, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Solano County Sheriff’s Department, US Army Core of Engineers, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, UC Davis Regents and US Power Squadrons.

This event is being conducted in connection with National Safe Boating Week (May 18-24), which aims to spread the message about life jacket wear and other life-saving boating practices.

California boating law requires all children under the age of 13, every person on board a personal watercraft (Jet Ski) or being towed behind a vessel to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. The law also requires life jackets to be carried on a vessel for every person on board.

For more information about the life jacket trade-in or life jackets, please visit http://www.WearItCalifornia.com.

DBW enhances public access to California’s waterways and promotes boating and aquatic safety through programs funded by vessel registration fees, boating fuel tax dollars and boating facility construction loan payments.