Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day

In 2026, Wear Your Life Jacket will fall on Friday, May 15.

What is it?
Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day happens each year at the start of National Safe Boating Week. Whether you’re working in the office, at home, in the air, or on the water, all boating enthusiasts can participate in Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day. By participating, you can show your support for safe boating efforts going on all over the world, as well as invite conversations with coworkers and others about the importance of wearing a life jacket. By engaging in these conversations, you’re helping spread the safe boating message in your community.

Why does it matter?
U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in three out of every four recreational boating fatalities in 2023, and that 87 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

There are many options for boaters when it comes to choosing a life jacket. When selecting a life jacket, a boater should check that it is U.S. Coast Guard approved, appropriate for the water activity, and fits properly.

Alaska’s Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day Photo Contest
Each year, we have a photo contest on social media for Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day. To enter, all you have to do is post a photo of you wearing your life jacket to work onto the Facebook post. Past prizes have included an Alaska State Parks parking pass, life jackets, an electronic LED flare, boating safety stickers, and more! To be reminded when its time to enter this year, follow Alaska Boating Safety Program page on Facebook or Instagram.