ALEXANDRIA, Va., November 17, 2009 -- Most boating parents tell their kids they have to wear their life jacket because it’s the law.  However, getting young boaters to embrace life jackets just got a little easier with the 2010 BoatUS Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Program Wall Calendar .  The calendar offers 12 months of photos — submitted by boaters — showing kids staying safe on the water by wearing life jackets provided by the Foundation’s no-cost Kid's Life Jacket Loaner Program (LJLP).

The calendar is available in three sizes with pricing starting at $18.95. A portion of each sale goes back to the Foundation to support the much needed program, which lends out over 90,000 life jackets each year at over 500 locations across the country, and has saved three youngsters’ lives to date.

“Everyone needs a calendar and boaters will love the photos of these cute kids being safe on the water,” said LJLP Program Manager Alanna Keating, “However, it will also help show children and parents that wearing a life jacket is cool.  The calendar is great for hanging up at the boat club, the marina office or home, and will help kids get familiar with these lifesaving devices — and remind them all year round how much fun it is to go boating,” she added.

Endorsed by Kids

Aiden Croft, age 6, whose photo was selected by the Foundation to appear for the month of February, said, “I wear my life jacket because the boat is fun.  I like playing with my squirt guns on my boogie board on the river.  If I don’t wear my life jacket, I might get hurt.”

To order your calendar, go to: www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/nauticalstore .

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About the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is an innovative leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating.  It provides educational outreach directly to boaters with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways and keeping boating safe for all.  The 501(c)(3) nonprofit was founded in 1981 and is funded primarily by the over half million members of BoatUS.