U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan W. Bradshaw

There will be a ferry-full of people wearing life jackets Saturday, May 20, near King County Water Taxi’s Pier 50, but don’t worry. There’s no need to panic.

Actually, Washington State Ferries will attempt to set a world record for the greatest number of people wearing life jackets in a single location. It’s all part of the national Ready, Set, Wear It! lifejacket and boating safety campaign. Riders will board WSF’s newest ferry, the Chimacum, at Colman Dock, and the first 1,500 people who arrive can don a life jacket and hopefully become part of history.

The current record is 1,046 life-jacket wearers – WSF is confident that number is in serious jeopardy.

The event will also feature a helicopter demonstration by the U.S. Coast Guard over Puget Sound.

The festivities are scheduled to begin about 10 a.m., Saturday. The helicopter demonstration is scheduled to take place shortly after 10:30 a.m.

King County Water Taxi will be operating its weekend service for West Seattle (our vessels come with life jackets too), and riders should be aware of the event.

You can find out more information about the Ready, Set, Wear It! event from WSF. Planning on joining to help break the record? Since parking will be limited, you can take the Water Taxi out of West Seattle to Downtown.

To those attempting to make history, we wish you good luck!