Boating Safety Partnership with Keith Colburn

WASHINGTON, DC, May 18, 2009---Discovery Channel’s Keith Colburn, captain of the F/V Wizard on cable’s number one series DEADLIEST CATCH, is joining with the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division this summer to promote life jacket wear and recreational boating safety on the nation’s waterways.  As official spokesperson for the Coast Guard’s "Boat Responsibly" initiative, Colburn will be appearing in a series of Public Service Announcements as well as promotional activities across the country.

To see some of these videos, please visit the video page at http://www.uscgboating.org/resources/video_page.aspx

"We’re extremely pleased to have Captain Colburn and the Discovery Channel lending their support to this important safety campaign," said Rear Admiral James A. Watson, U.S. Coast Guard Director of Prevention Policy.  "Keith is an experienced and well-respected seaman who puts a premium on safety for his boat and crew.  We look forward to working with him throughout the summer."

"In producing DEADLIEST CATCH, Discovery Channel works closely with the Coast Guard, seeing firsthand the critical assistance they provide fisherman through the crabbing season on the Bearing Sea.  We are proud to see Keith take a leadership role in this important issue," said John Ford, President and General Manager, Discovery Channel.

The U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division is asking all boat owners and operators to help reduce fatalities, injuries, and property damage by taking personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers.  The U. S. Coast Guard reminds all boaters to "Boat Responsibly!"  For more information and tips on boating safety, go to www.USCGboating.org.