U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Fort Myers Beach has announced that Friday, May 15th is Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day. Coast Guard Auxiliary is joining boating professionals and outdoor enthusiasts to heighten awareness of different life jacket styles that are available, and demonstrate their comfort and versatility by wearing them to work.
The annual event, hosted by the National Safe Boating Council serves as a fun, educational event just prior to National Safe Boating Week, May 16-22, the official launch of the 2026 Safe Boating Campaign. Educating the boating public about the safety and comfort of life jackets has been a main focus of the campaign. “Wear Your Life Jacket at Work” Day will take place on Friday, May 15, wherever you are.
Gary Martell, the Flotilla Commander for Flotilla 91 Fort Myers, stated, “In Southwest Florida, our waters are as unpredictable as they are beautiful. From the sudden afternoon thunderstorms in the Gulf to the heavy vessel traffic in our narrow intracoastal channels, conditions can shift in an instant. A life jacket isn’t just a piece of equipment; it is your most essential piece of survival gear.” He went on to say, “Many boaters believe they’ll have time to grab a vest during an emergency, but the reality of a capsize or a fall overboard is often violent and disorienting. In these waters—where heat, currents, and distance from shore are constant factors—wearing your life jacket is the single simplest decision you can make to ensure a day on the water doesn’t turn into a tragedy. Don’t just carry it. Wear it. Our mission is to keep you safe, but your safety starts with that one click of a buckle.”…