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The Big Picture: Create a 55-Second or 25-Second Video PSA that provokes adults to wear life jackets when boating and swimming around boats. This includes any type of vessel i.e. kayak, canoe, paddleboard, speedboat, pontoon, jonboat etc..

The Overall Message to Promote: The most important thing you should do while recreating in, on, or near the water is to always wear a life jacket and encourage others to do so. We want YOUR creative insight on how to accomplish our goal of saving more lives on our nation’s waterways by encouraging adults to wear life jackets when boating and swimming around boats..

Contest Rules & Requirements

Before applying, be sure to review the FAQs and Official Rules.

Requirements Overview (See Contest Rules for more details):

  • To enter you must be 18 years old or older by the closing of the contest.

  • Contest opens November 7, 2024 and closes July 30, 2025 at 11:59PM EST.

  • Anyone featured (children, adults, dogs, and any animated characters etc.) in your submission is required to wear a properly-fitted life jacket, if shown in, on or near the water. The life jacket must be designed for the particular water-recreational activity you’re showing and must be worn snug, not loose with all buckles and zippers fastened. Check the label to identify the approved uses for the life jackets. It’s good to use life jackets that are popular for the particular water activity. For example, paddle vests with large arm holes are best for paddlers. 

  • Your video must include some type of vessel in it e.g. canoe, kayak, paddleboard, speedboat, pontoon boat, jonboat etc.

  • Avoid (or blur) all branding of any kind and/or advertising in your submission. Names or brands of any corporation must not be used in the narration, open captions, or video footage. This includes brands and/or logos on life jackets, vessels, clothing, hats, etc. that may possibly show up in the video. Tattoos on individual actors should be avoided or blurred.

  • Duration of videos are 55-Seconds and 25-Seconds.

  • Storyboard/Script is aligned with campaign messages. Visit our resources tab that includes “Tips for Creating Effective PSAs” for more information about campaign Life Jackets Worn…Nobody Mourns messages.

  • Submissions will be accepted from individuals and teams of up to four (4) team members. Limit of two video entries per category (25-second, 55-second).

  • Do not use any design, audio, or video elements that are not of your own creation without permission that it can be used in perpetuity without further costs or constraints to the managing organizations of this video contest. 

  • Make sure your video is creative, unique, and effective!