Life jackets are often taken for granted, but they are a key to protecting boaters. For non-profit organizations keeping young boaters in quality life jackets that fit properly each year can be a challenge. Thanks to donations made by the Boat US Foundation and lobbying by Global Marine Insurance several Traverse City youth foundations won’t have to worry about keeping their young boaters afloat this year. Global Marine Insurance was able to distribute 130 life jackets to local youth organizations including Traverse Area Community Sailing (TACS), Maritime Heritage Alliance and Seas Education Association.

The team at Global Marine Insurance specializes in boat insurance and is passionate about boating safety. Our offices perched on the edge of West Bay overlooking CenterPointe Marina allow us to be inspired by the boats cruising past the office windows. We know that without boaters we wouldn’t be here. That’s why when there’s an opportunity to help support the local boating youth organizations we want to get involved. We are grateful for the generous donations made by the Boat US Foundation. US Coast Guard approved life jackets are a fundamental component to safe boating.

Life jackets are an essential item for every boat owner to have on their boat. The size of the life jacket is also important. Many boat owners will purchase regular life jackets, but they forget that these are not one size fits all, and for growing children you need to check sizing regularly. Still having life jackets is not enough they need to be accessible too. Wearing a life jacket is the best way to be protected from a drowning accident. As the National Safe Boating Council points out, “wearing it” is always a smarter decision than just carrying a life jacket for everyone, not just kids, whenever on a boat.