Severna Park Teen Starts Campaign For Boater Safety

Many people around Severna Park are undoubtedly eager to get back out on the water. Once they do, Severna Park rising senior Parker Diez wants to make sure they can enjoy themselves without risking their safety.

Diez has been collecting lightly used life jackets at his neighborhood beach in Ben Oaks and in other communities since early May to honor National Safe Boaters Week (May 16-22). He plans to donate the life jackets to the Department of Natural Resources and any other organization that encourages safe boating.

“Having grown up near the water and boated for most of my life, I have observed an increased incidence of tragic boating accidents,” he said.

Diez had planned a “Wear It” May kickoff event in partnership with the National Safe Boating Council, but it was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. So far, he has collected about 50 life jackets. For anyone who wants to contribute, a blue collection bin will remain at 432 Severnside Drive through June.