Chamber Chatter
By BYRON HOGAN

It's too hot! It doesn't look cool. I know how to swim. Nothing is going to happen to me. These are just some of the many reasons people claim that they do not wear their life jackets.

But with approximately 700 people drowning each year from recreational boating accidents, it is imperative for you to wear your life jacket at all times while you are on the water.

Life jackets are no longer the orange, hot and bulky vests that are commonly associated with on the water safety gear. New innovations and developments in life jackets have produced a smaller, sleeker, and much more comfortable version of the life jacket, leaving you with no reason not to wear it!

Much like a helmet to a biker or skateboarder, life jackets are an essential part of your boating safety equipment and should be worn at all times while on the water.

In 2004 of the 676 recreational boating fatalities 90% of those victims were not wearing their life jackets. Life jackets are now lighter, less obtrusive and more attractive than ever before. The new inflatable life jackets or Personal Flotation Device (PFDs) allows you the mobility and flexibility that you need when boating, fishing, paddling or hunting and are much cooler in the warmer weather. There are many different varieties of inflatable jackets ranging from those that inflate instantly when you hit the water to those that are manually inflated. All are designed to be more comfortable and wearable than the traditional life jacket.

Accidents can happen at an alarming speed anyplace or anytime you are on the water. Although many boaters now stow life jackets on their boat, very few choose to wear it. There just isn't time to grab a life jacket and put it on properly before you are in the water. If you are faced with a strong current or unfavorable weather conditions you will not only have trouble making sure you are safe and secure in your life jacket, but you will be unable to help your friends, relatives, children or passengers that have accompanied you in your boat. Wearing your life jackets will allow you to be safe in case of an accident and will also allow you the ability to assist others that may be in danger.

This year during National Safe Boating Week, May 19-25, 2007, and throughout the boating season remember to practice safe and responsible boating, always wear your life jacket, and be alert and aware while on the water. By practicing these simple steps you can save your life as well as the lives of the people boating with you. Life jackets are now more comfortable and lightweight than ever, with many new styles to fit the style you want.

Ryan Swain will be holding a boating safety class on June 28 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Lincolnton Clubhouse. Or to take the class on-line visit goboatgeorgia.co

Friends to meet

Friends of Bill W. will meet at Lincolnton United Methodist Church at 8 p.m. on Friday.

Computer classes

Computer literacy for beginners and intermediates will begin Tues., June 5 and run through Thurs., June 28. Classes are Tues., and Thurs., 10 a.m. - 12 for beginners and 1-3 p.m. for intermediates.

Classes are held in the computer lab located at McCormick Adult Education Center, 615 Clayton St. Cost is a $15 administrative fee. Classes are limited to 14 persons. Mail checks to: McCormick County Schools, c/o Jim Morrow, 202 Mallard Lane, Mc- Cormick, S.C. 29835. You may contact Jim at 864-391-2810 with any questions.

Summer 4-H fun

Thurs., June 26, 1 - 5 p.m. - We're going to Elijah Clark State Park, if you want to play putt-putt bring $2 for each hour you want to play ) In case of bad weather, we'll watch a movie and have snacks in the office.

Thurs., July, 1 - 4:30 p.m. - Make a clock out of a CD with Ms. Regina (please call before June 5th if you plan to attend).

Please call 706-359-3233 and register early for the events you would like to participate in.