National Safe Boating Week began Saturday and will wrap up on Friday, May 27.

This year’s theme is “Boat Smart. Boat Safe. Wear it!”

The Coast Guard hopes to impress upon people the importance of wearing a life jacket, not only this week, but year-round.

Eight out of every 10 people who die in boating accidents are not wearing life vests. Drowning continues to be the leading cause of death in boating accidents.

For more information on boating safety, visit www.uscgboating.org.