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On Saturday, August 2, NMMA partnered with the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office to host a successful life jacket giveaway in Brainerd, Minnesota. The event brought together local families and law enforcement to promote safe boating practices during peak boating and water activity season.

Minnesota law requires children under 10 to wear a life jacket while a vessel is underway, helping ensure they stay safe on the water. Because a good fit matters, this event focused on raising awareness and providing families with properly sized life jackets, a simple but important step in preventing accidents and promoting safe boating.

Over 250 life jackets were distributed at the event, designed to equip families with essential safety gear and educate the public about the importance of wearing life jackets during boating and other water-based activities. The initiative aimed to reduce preventable drowning deaths, 80% of which involve individuals who weren’t wearing a life jacket, according to the CDC.  

“Partnering with NMMA on this giveaway was a great opportunity to connect with the community and reinforce the importance of water safety,” said Crow Wing County Sheriff Eric Klang. “Providing families with properly fitted life jackets is a direct investment in public safety. We’re grateful for everyone who came out and showed their support.” 

Jesse McArdell, NMMA’s Senior Manager, Midwest Government Relations, added, “NMMA is proud to work with the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office to provide Minnesotans with the tools and education they need to enjoy the water safely and responsibly. Safety is the foundation of a fun and enjoyable day on the water.” 

Events like this demonstrate the continued importance of accessible safety resources and local engagement in fostering a culture of responsible boating. Minnesota law requires children under 10 to wear a life jacket while a vessel is underway, helping ensure they stay safe on the water. Because a good fit matters, this event focused on raising awareness and providing families with properly sized life jackets, a simple but important step in preventing accidents and promoting safe boating.

Over 250 life jackets were distributed at the event, designed to equip families with essential safety gear and educate the public about the importance of wearing life jackets during boating and other water-based activities. The initiative aimed to reduce preventable drowning deaths, 80% of which involve individuals who weren’t wearing a life jacket, according to the CDC.

“Partnering with NMMA on this giveaway was a great opportunity to connect with the community and reinforce the importance of water safety,” said Crow Wing County Sheriff Eric Klang. “Providing families with properly fitted life jackets is a direct investment in public safety. We’re grateful for everyone who came out and showed their support.” 

Jesse McArdell, NMMA’s Senior Manager, Midwest Government Relations, added, “NMMA is proud to work with the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office to provide Minnesotans with the tools and education they need to enjoy the water safely and responsibly. Safety is the foundation of a fun and enjoyable day on the water.”