DFW Boat Expo Supports The LV Project: Don’t Go in the Lake Without a Life Vest

DALLAS - July 17, 2013 - PRLog -- A visit to the lake is meant to be enjoyed. It shouldn’t end in tragedy, but for many families each year it does, and not just from boating accidents. People drown when wading, diving or swimming in lakes – from young children to adults. The LV Project (http://www.thelvproject.org/) wants to remind people of the importance of wearing a life vest at all times in or near the water.

Dana and Brett Gage founded The LV Project in 2012 after they lost their son Connor in a drowning accident. He had just turned 15 and was at the lake for a birthday celebration. Connor flipped from a high boat deck, landed badly and never came up.

“On August 31, 2012, we lost our son and brother, Connor, in a drowning accident. In an instant, we went from a happy family of four, to a broken family of three,” Dana explains. “So now, our life is all about buoyancy – not just on lakes, but in life.”

The LV Project’s message is simple – be buoyant. The project focuses on water safety and recommends five things to do at the lake:

1.    Use life vests. Period. End of story. No exceptions. You can’t see through lake water. And people sink in lake water. Make life vests a hard and fast rule. And don’t waver.

2.    
Know your crowd. Can they swim well? How old are they? The risk of drowning in natural water increases substantially at 15 years old, especially with guys.

3.    Know the conditions. Don’t assume water equals fun. Water is dangerous. How deep is it and what’s under the surface? Deep water means longer recoveries.

4.    Closely supervise. Drowning usually happens quickly and quietly. It’s not the splish splash stuff you see in the movies. Don’t take your eyes off the swimmers.

5.    Have a plan. Have an emergency plan in place. If, God forbid, something goes wrong, you’ll need it. Every second counts when someone is under water.

Remember, drowning is never intentional. But it’s usually preventable. Imagine the what-if. Think. Be safe.

“The hardest part of knowing Connor is gone is knowing he could still be here,” Dana adds. “For us personally, ‘LV’ stands for ‘Life Vest.’ Had Connor been wearing one, he would be alive. We believe life vests on lakes should be like seat belts in cars – a must. We sincerely hope to make a difference on that front. But Connor's life was so full of joy, we couldn't just leave it at that. It can't just be about how Connor died. It has to be about how he lived.

“Everyone needs a lift at times. Buoyancy means we are pulled to the surface, where there's fresh air, light and freedom. So in addition to water safety, we'll also tackle projects that help people LiVe and LoVe better. We think Connor would like that.”

LiVe. LoVe. Life Vest. For more information on The LV Project, go to www.thelvproject.org.

“I heard Dana speak and knew I needed to get in touch,” says Bron Beal, director of the DFW Boat Expo.“I was moved by her story and felt the DFW Boat Expo offered a great opportunity to expose potential boat owners/buyers to the importance of her message. We were more than happy to provide space for The LV Project so Dana can educate others about the need to wear life vests.”

Beal and all of the expo’s volunteer ticket takers will be wearing life vests in support of The LV Project and to share the message. Look for The LV Project in booths 102 and 103.

The DFW Boat Expo (http://www.dallasboatexpo.com/), presented by the United Boat Dealers of North Texas, will be at Dallas Market Hall, 2200 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207, Thursday through Sunday, July 18-21. Twenty North Texas boat dealers and nearly 100 different vendors will take part.

Hours for the expo are:

Thursday, July 18, 3 – 9 PM

Friday, July 19, 3 – 9 PM

Saturday, July 20, 10 AM – 9 PM

Sunday, July 21, 10 AM – 6 PM

Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for children, and are only available at the door. Parking is free.

For more information on the 2013 DFW Boat Expo, go to http://www.dallasboatexpo.com/, Facebook: www.facebook.com/dfwboatexpo or Twitter: @dfwboatexpo.

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About The United Boat Dealers of North Texas

The United Boat Dealers of North Texas will produce boat shows based on the needs and desires of participating Boat Dealers, Industry Related Exhibitors and the General public, in an attempt to provide a profitable and cost effective sales venue that will…Support the Boating and Marine Industry in the Greater North Texas Area. Bring Together people with a common interest in the Boating Lifestyle. Promote further and encourage the Boating Lifestyle through education and outreach programs. Provide each exhibitor with a fair and equally opportunity to conduct business with the general public. All United Boat Dealers of North Texas Boat Shows will always be under the guidelines of Dealer/Exhibitor/Public needs first, with overall show success for this group the Major Priority.