ALEXANDRIA, VA, June 10, 2008 -- BoatUS Angler, which offers services and helpful information for boat-owning fishermen, encourages anglers to wear a life jacket this fishing season. From now until September 30, anglers can submit photos of themselves, friends or family fishing while wearing a life jacket to enter the “Get Hooked on Safety” contest at BoatUSAngler.com.

One winner each, selected from four categories, will receive a Mustang inflatable life vest valued at $150. The categories include: fishing photos; holding a catch; family photos; and the best fishing story that accompanies a photo. Everyone in a photo must be wearing a life jacket.

“A life jacket helps ensure you’ll make it back home safely,” said Mike Pellerin, director of BoatUS Angler. “Over two-thirds of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 87% were not wearing their life jacket. You just never know when wind, weather, waves or other factors will conspire against you.”

Pellerin said the biggest complaint from anglers about wearing a life jacket is that they are uncomfortable. “But if you haven’t taken a look at the new inflatable or sports-style vests, you’re missing out. You can bait a hook, cast with ease and stay cool and comfortable all day long,” he added.

No purchase is necessary to enter the contest. For complete details and contest photos, go to BoatUSAngler.com.

From the nation’s largest association of recreational boaters, BoatUS Angler offers services such as on-the-water and on-the-road towing, insurance, fishing and safety information, fuel and shopping discounts, and helps protect the interests of boat-owning freshwater anglers.