HomeMy WebLinkAboutNational Safe Boating Week 2009PROCLAMATION
VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK
Recreational boating is fun and enjoyable, and we are fortunate that we have sufficient resources to accommodate
the wide variety of pleasure boating demands. However, our waterways can become crowded at times and be a
place of chaos and confusion. While being a marvelous source of recreation, boating, to the unprepared, can be a
risky sport. Not knowing or obeying the Navigation Rules or the nautical "Rules of the Road," drinking alcohol or
taking drugs while operating a boat, or choosing not to wear your life jacket when doing so is clearly NOT the
smart thing to do, are all examples of human error or a lack of proper judgment. One particular behavior that can
reduce the number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year by approximately 80% is the wearing of a
life jacket. It is a simple task that has the potential to reduce terrible loss in lives.
Knowledge and skills are important in reducing human error and improving judgment. If people are aware
of the risk, they are likely to take the precautionary measures to protect themselves and their friends and family.
That is why we must continue to spread the messages of boating safety not only during National Safe Boating
Week but also tlu-oughout the entire year.
WHEREAS, on average, 700 people die each year in boating-related accidents in the U.S.; nearly 70% of
these are fatalities caused by drownng; and
WHEREAS, the vast majority of these accidents are caused by human error or poor judgment and not by
the boat, equipment, or environmental factors; and
WHEREAS, a significant number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year would be alive
today had they worn their life jackets; and
WHEREAS, modern life jackets are more comfortable, more attractive, and more wearable than styles of
years past and deserve a fresh look by today's boating public.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, David B. Norris, Ph.D., do herrby support the goals of the North American Safe
Boating Campaign. By virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the Village of North Palm Beach, Florida, I
hereby proclaim May 16-22, 2009, as
NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK
and the start of the year-round effort to promote safe boating in the Village of North Pahn Beach, Florida. I urge all
those who boat to "Boat Smart. Boat Safe. Wear it." and practice safe boating habits.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the
affixed this 14th day of May, 2C""