National Safe Boating Week May 17-23 is fast approaching and the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water wants boaters to remember to "Boat smart, boat safe and wear their life jacket," said Ruth Wood, BoatU.S. Foundation president.

"Some simple measures can go a long way towards having a safer outing. A great way to start is to encourage others to wear a life jacket by wearing your own. Taking a safe boating course, keeping your boat properly maintained and not drinking alcohol while underway can also make a huge difference," Wood added.

The BoatU.S. Foundation offers some low cost programs to help increase safety such as the Life Jacket Loaner Program for Kids. At over 300 sites nationwide, parents and other adults can borrow a correctly-sized life jacket for their child for the afternoon, day or weekend.

The foundation also offers a free Online Boating Safety Course for new boaters as well as experienced ones wanting to brush up on their skills. In addition, non-profit groups can apply for Boating Safety Grants and individual boaters going offshore can affordably rent 406 MHz EPIRBs for a fraction of their original cost.

For information, call (703) 823-9550 extension 3200, visit http://www.BoatUS.com/foundation or email BoatingSafety@BoatUS.com.