Alabama Governor Kay Ivey took part in a Safe Boating Week celebration at Academy Sports + Outdoors store in Montgomery earlier this week, where the Academy donated $5,000 worth of life jackets to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR).

“I am pleased to join you and our Conservation Enforcement Officers in celebrating Safe Boating Week,” said Governor Ivey, “and I am pleased and grateful that Academy Sports + Outdoors has generously donated 360 personal flotation devices to the Alabama Department of Conservation.”

“As we approach Boating Safety Week and Memorial Day weekend, we remind Alabamians to be safe when out on the water with family and friends. Thanking the Academy for their generous donation is a great way to highlight water safety. This year marks the first year we are launching a life jacket loaner program as a water safety initiative.”

Cody Reid, senior regional marketing specialist for the Academy, said the company had no hesitation in donating the life jackets in such large quantities.

“These life jackets will be used by conservation officers and state parks to ensure that if someone forgets their life jacket and leaves it at home or if conditions on our rivers and lakes are a little rough, these life jackets will be readily available to boaters and swimmers so they can have a safe and enjoyable time,” Reed said. “The Nature Conservation Department has been a great partner for the Academy. We look forward to this partnership for many years to come, thank them for their work, and want to ensure everyone who enjoys the outdoors has a safe and enjoyable time.”

ADCNR Chairman Chris Blankenship said the life jackets will be distributed to officers and employees in the state's Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, Marine Resources, State Lands and State Parks departments.

“These life jackets will be helpful to our officers on patrol when they encounter boats with life jackets that cannot be used,” Blankenship said. “Previously, we would just issue a ticket and not be able to provide a life jacket to help them safely return to the pier. This will give our officers an opportunity to educate the public and provide life jackets to those who need them.”

“Since I took office, there have been about a dozen drownings in state parks. It's really tragic. Having a life jacket that can be rented for a day and returned for the next user could save lives. I'm really excited about this and our partnership with the Academy, that they recognized the need for this program and what it means for the safety of people enjoying the outdoors.”

Governor Ivey said millions of Alabamians will be outdoors and on waterways this coming Memorial Day weekend and encouraged everyone to wear life jackets.

“You'll all be enjoying the lake this weekend on our pontoon boats. My dog ​​Missy and I will be wearing life jackets,” said Governor Ivey. “Thank you to everyone at Cody and the Academy for working together to keep Alabamians safe. Thank you to Commissioner Blankenship and all of your conservation officers for all you do. Have a safe Memorial Day weekend as we remember all those who have given their lives to defend our freedom. May God continue to bless each and every one of you, the great state of Alabama, and the United States of America.”

The Academy initially considered making a small donation to the department, but increased the donation significantly after Secretary Blankenship explained the number of ADCNR employees involved in the loan program.

“When you think about the number of troopers we have in the state and the size of our state, having more life jackets makes a big difference,” Blankenship said. “When we told the Academy about our state parks and the need, they responded right away. They provided additional life jackets and made sure everyone was covered.”

“The Academy has been a great partner. Last weekend, the Academy offered a 20% discount to all state park guests. Many took advantage and purchased many items they needed for camping and outdoor recreation. They got 20% off their entire order, with no restrictions. These Academy promotions were targeted to state park users and those who purchased hunting or fishing licenses earlier this year. All of this adds up to a great benefit to our users. We appreciate our partnership with the Academy.”

Sergeant Kirk Smith, with the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, said checking safety equipment was a top priority when patrolling on the water.

“We check for life jackets and all the necessary safety equipment,” Sergeant Smith said, “and that's just a small part of it. I tell everyone to use common sense when on the water. Keep safety in mind. If one life jacket saves one life, it's worth every dollar that goes into this program.”

“Always inspect your equipment before setting sail. Make sure life jackets have no rips or tears and that the nylon straps and buckles are in good condition. Replace equipment if necessary. It must be in working order. The cost of a life jacket is nothing compared to the cost of a life.”

State Parks Deputy Director Matthew Capps said the donation is definitely a win for State Parks.

“Having these life jackets available for loan in state parks that have lakes will help keep people safe,” Capps said. “Our hope is that everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience visiting our beautiful state parks.”

According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, 75% of people who drown in recreational boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket.

The National Safe Boating Council recommends the following tips for boaters:

• Take a Boating Safety Course. With a variety of options for beginners and experienced boaters, our Boating Safety Courses will help you gain valuable knowledge and experience on the water.
• Equipment Inspection. Schedule a free vessel safety inspection with your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Corps to ensure all required equipment is present, working, and in good condition.
• Make a float plan: Before leaving the dock, be sure to give someone ashore your trip itinerary, including operator and passenger information, boat type and registration, and any communication equipment on board.
• Wear a life jacket. Make sure everyone wears a life jacket at all times. A stowed life jacket is useless in an emergency.
• Use the engine cut-off switch. It's the law. The engine cut-off switch is a proven safety device that shuts off a powerboat's engine if the operator accidentally falls overboard.
• Keep an eye on the weather. Always check the weather forecast before you head out on the water and during your outing.
• Always be aware of what's going on around you: Nearly a quarter of all boating accidents reported in 2022 were caused by operator negligence or improper lookout.
• Know your destination and travel at a safe speed. Familiarize yourself with local and regional boating speed limits and always travel at a safe speed.
• Never drink and drive. One-third of recreational boating fatalities are caused by drunk drivers. Always designate a sober captain.
• Stay in touch. Have several communication devices that will work when wet. VHF radios, emergency locator beacons, satellite phones and cell phones are all important pieces of equipment in an emergency.

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