DID YOU KNOW?…

By Harriet Howard, DVC-AS
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

Who invented the life preserver? Did you say Stearns or Mustang? No way! It was Leonardo da Vinci! According to the Da Vinci Experience and the Museum of Leonardo da Vinci of Florence, Italy, da Vinci's concept was a life ring that was made of waterproof leather and could be filled with air to increase its volume and buoyancy.

"Da Vinci's idea for preserving life at sea is as valid today as it was in Italy in the 15th century." In this, the 21st century, we have a wide range of life preservers (personal flotation devices) to choose from, including the life ring, a throwable device. As we well know, no life preserver can save a life unless it is worn.

Once again, in a continuing effort to urge recreational boaters to "Wear It!", the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary join hands with the National Safe Boating Council and other marine organizations in a year-round boating safety campaign. The National Safe Boating Council produces the campaign, which is funded in part from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating (Wallop-Breaux) Trust Fund "Wear It!" continues to be the campaign slogan. The Coast Guard and Auxiliary ask all boat owners and operators to help reduce boating fatalities by wearing a life jacket out on the water.

National Safe Boating Week is the high point of each year's campaign. This year the event is May 17-23. Public Affairs Officers, now is the time to update your list of media contacts and also decide what materials you will need for the campaign.

Da Vinci was right on track 600 years ago. Take a tip from Leonardo and "Wear It!"

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