If you’ve ever worn a life jacket and thought how its design or styling could be better, now is your chance to be heard. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water and the Personal Floatation Device Manufacturers Association are asking boaters to vote now for their favorite new life jacket design entry in the 2015 “Innovation in Life Jacket Design Competition” at Facebook.com/BoatUSFoundation or BoatUS.org/design/vote. The public has until July 8 to submit their vote and is encouraged to vote once a day for their favorite design.
The goal of the competition is to rethink a 100-year-old design, seek out the newest technologies and design innovations and develop interest in newer, more versatile life jackets. Design entries are judged on the following criteria: innovation, wearability, value/affordability, reliability, versatility and practicality.
Of the nearly 250 contest submissions from as far away as Mongolia and New Zealand, 14 were selected for public voting. “The judges want to know what the boating public is looking for in a new life jacket design or style, and your vote will also factor into the final overall score,” said BoatUS Foundation Outreach Manager Alanna Keating.
At stake is a $10,000 first prize, $3,000 for second and $2,000 for third. Winners will be announced at the International Boatbuilders Exhibition trade show in Louisville, KY in September.
For more information, go to www.BoatUS.org/design.
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About the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water:
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the over half-million members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the non-profit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways and keeping boating safe for all. A range of boating safety courses – including 33 free state courses – can be found at BoatUS.org/courses.
About the Personal Flotation Device Manufacturers Association:
The Personal Flotation Device Manufacturers Association (PFDMA) is an affiliate of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the leading trade organization representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80% of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the United States. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance and marketing communications. For more information about PFDMA, visit www.pfdma.org and visit www.nmma.org to learn more about NMMA.