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"It's such a simple message to get out, if we keep hitting hard enough, people are going to realize they need to wear their life jacket," said Virgil Chambers, the boating council's executive director. "As more people boat, and the fatalities go down, something's working."
Seven hundred fatalities may sound like a lot, but the number is nothing compared to the 1,500 annual fatalities Chambers said were reported to the Coast Guard in the 1970s before safety campaigns kicked into high gear.
In a phone interview, he emphasized the style and comfort of today's life vests. The days of bulky orange "horse collars" are long gone - though the stereotype remains.
Why do people get into these accidents?
"Normally it's a sudden, unexpected fall," Chambers said. "They're leaning over the side trying to retrieve something, or their small boat capsizes, or they're in a canoe that tips over and they drown.
"It's simple as that. It's not complex or a big scenario."
Life jackets played a key role last week when a security officer at Kernersville Lake Park heard the splash of a young girl falling from her pedal boat.
J.W. Wolfe II, 22, leapt into the water seconds later to assist the child's mother, who also jumped from the boat when her daughter toppled overboard. Wolfe said both mother and child wore life jackets, which helped him pull them to shore.
"Always wear your life vest," he said. "It doesn't take more than a couple of seconds for something to happen."
Duke Power this week also offered additional tips for boat safety. Duke owns Belews Lake, a popular destination for water enthusiasts.
• Don't overload a boat. Seats are no indication of capacity.
• Keep an eye on the weather. When water gets rough, stay low in the boat and head into waves.
• Stay focused on operating the boat, and be alert for other boaters and skiers.
One final rule: the only time alcohol and water go together is in Bud Light. They should NOT mix in a boat.

I Should Clarify...
It is illegal to park in fire lanes, private or public. Period. No questions asked.
In last week's column, I addressed a question from Greensboro resident Robert Norton, who wanted to know whether police ticketed cars parked in fire lanes in front of retail establishments - i.e., private property.
A battalion chief for the Greensboro Fire Department said they pretty much don't ticket. If a business owner sees a problem, he or she can call authorities to have the car towed. And cited.
The Q&A I printed didn't sit well with Officer Jim Poer of the High Point police traffic division. After chatting with Jim, I see his point.
"It sounded like nothing could be done about (parking in fire lanes), and people might read it and say 'cool, nobody will do anything to me!' " he said. "Unfortunately, in this world, if you give them an inch, they'll take a mile."
So I repeat - and I know Jim agrees - don't park in fire lanes. It's illegal. Sooner or later, you might be ticketed.

Final Thoughts
From John Bowers, of Greensboro, who also commented on fire lane violations.
"It's obvious that the current practice of having business owners call a tow truck is not a solution. No business owner is going to risk alienating a potential customer.
"I lived in a small town in New Jersey which had a unique solution to a similar parking problem. Members of the local volunteer fire companies were authorized to issue tickets for fire lane violations. The fire companies and the township shared in the proceeds and both realized much needed revenue.
"Perhaps some service organizations would be willing to take on a similar function. Judging by the number of illegally parked cars I see around town, we might generate enough funds to avoid the one cent property tax increase now under consideration."

Fast Forward runs every Saturday. Got questions you want answered or need to vent about transportation issues? Send 'em my way at 373-7008 or etownsend@news-record.com. Be sure to leave your name and a way for me to get in touch with you.