The panel discussion focused on stakeholder perceptions and needs regarding new life jacket labeling and marketing. Panelists from boating safety organizations discussed questions around how the introduction of new labels and harmonization may impact stakeholders, whether consumers will be better equipped to choose the right life jacket, and if new labels and products could increase wear rates and reduce boating accident deaths. The panel also considered questions about stakeholders' views on inflatable life jackets for youth and expiration dates for life jackets.

1. Panel Discussion on New Life Jacket
Labeling & Marketing
Life Jacket Association Annual Conference
2:45 – 3:30pm, May 14, 2019
Slide 1

2. Panel Members
• Brian Rehwinkel, Florida Wildlife Commission
• Chris Stec, NSBC & Paddlesports Instructor
• Larry Meddock, Watersports Industry Association
• Ted Rankine, Playsafe Productions & Canadian Safe Boating Campaign
• Verne Gifford, USCG Office of Boating Safety
Slide 2

3. Overview
The purpose of the Panel Discussion on New Life Jacket Labeling &
Marketing is to precipitate a dialogue relative to stakeholder perceptions,
wants & needs relative to the introduction of new Life Jacket Labels in the
marketplace. The questions range from does it really matter at all to
consumers, to will consumers be better equipped to make the right choice
regarding the appropriate size and type of life jacket to wear for their activity.
Will new labels, new products, and the opportunity for new PSA content drive
in increase in wear rates and therefore reduce drowning deaths in boating
accidents.
Slide 3

4. Panel Questions
Q1: What are the questions your stakeholders have about the new labels, or harmonization?
Q2: In your view, when people read life jacket labels, what are they looking for?
Q3: How do you think the introduction of new labels and harmonization will impact your stakeholders?
Q4: What benefits to you see coming from Level 50 devices?
Q5: What is your stakeholders view on Inflatable PFD’s for Youth?
Q6: Describe the impact you see when stakeholders experience the old and new labels in the market at
the same time?
Q7: Do your stakeholders care about the new labels, harmonization, new types of life jackets? What is
their motivation?
Q8: What is your view on the “wearing anything” is better than “nothing” argument?
Q9: What is your perspective on lifejackets lasting forever? Should they expire?
Q10: For you group, is compliance with the law more important? Or is having a life jacket that is fit for
use / purpose more important?
Q11: What is your perspective on the new iconography on the new labels?
Q12: There are a number of combinations of restrictions possible on new device labels, how do you think
about how we should communicate those to your stakeholders?
Slide 4

5. Questions
Moderator info:
Jason Leggatt
Chair
Life Jacket Association
info@lifejacketassociation.org
www.lifejacketassociation.org
Slide 5