The Boat Guy wants everyone to “Gear Up” when they are on the water. It makes sense and it saves lives. Drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury or death for youth’s age 1-17 in Washington state. And, historically, 75% of boating fatalities can be prevented by wearing a life jacket. So, always wear your life jacket on the water. Take the pledge today and “Gear Up!”
“Gear Up” is a statewide public service campaign and multi-media effort launched by The Boat Guy to promote year-round water safety by always wearing a life jacket. “Gear Up” uses the analogy of wearing proper sports equipment with wearing proper water safety gear. Many boating tragedies can be avoided by wearing a life jacket. “Gear Up” while playing, swimming, or boating in lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Stay safe on the water.
Chip Hanauer, The Boat Guy, is one of the most successful unlimited hydroplane racers in history. He won a record 11 American Power Boat Association (APBA) Gold Cups and drove one of the most famous boats in the APBA history, the Miss Budweiser. In 1995, Chip became the youngest inductee into the U.S. Motorsports Hall of Fame. Chip is famous for a fearless racing career and jaw-dropping hydroplane crashes. He understands, as much as anyone, the value of proper safety gear.
Watch for The Boat Guy at Mariner’s games! The Boat Guy is teaming up with the Seattle Mariners to help promote the “Gear Up” campaign. Chip will be at the Seattle Mariners’ day game on July 23, 2014 at Safeco Field to throw out the first pitch and promote “Gear Up.”
More Information
STRATEGIC PLAN of the National Recreational Boating Safety Program
WA State Injury & Violence Prevention Guide – Drowning
