Wayne Spivak MC

On 1 September, over a dozen professional models from the DMG Model and Talent Agency of Dallas TX provided their time and energy to help the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary to promote boating safety by being participants in the "Save a Life Lifejacket Show".

The PFD “Cat-walk” was held poolside at the Westin Park Central Hotel in conjunction with the annual Coast Guard Auxiliary National Conference (NACON).

The PFD fashion show highlighted the talents of our Model's along with the attributes of Type III and Type V Personal Flotation Devices.  Also highlighted during the fashion show was the need for all boaters, especially children - to wear their PFD's at all times when around the water.

LCDR Kelly Boodell

To encourage children to wear PFD's, we employed Life Jackets of different physical designs, colors and motifs.  Children, who find their PFD's fun and comfortable to wear, are far more likely to wear their PFD's.  What made the show unique is not all our models, who ranged from aged 6 to adult, knew how to swim.  But all the participants felt confident after jumping in the pool that their PFD would keep them afloat should they find themselves in the water after a mishap at sea.

One of our more unique models was LCDR Kelley Boodell, the Director of Auxiliary for the 13th Coast Guard District.  LCDR Boodell showed our audience and other younger models that it’s cool to wear a PFD, no matter what your age!  This is especially poignant in that less than ten percent of adults wear their PFDs while boating.

Reaction from participants and audience members was extremely positive.
RDML Craig E. Bone, the Assistant Commandant for Prevention for the USCG told one young model that "...you probably helped save someone's life by participating."