National Safe Boating WeekPROCLAMATION
VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK
WHEREAS, recreational boating is fun and enjoyable, and we are fortunate that we have sufficient resources to
accommodate the wide variety of pleasure boating demands; and
WHEREAS, our waterways can become crowded at times and be a place of chaos and confusion, and while being
a marvelous source of recreation, boating, to the unprepared, can be a risky sport; and
WHEREAS, 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 , are all examples of human error or a lack
of proper judgment; and
WHEREAS, wearing of a lifejacket is a simple task that has the potential to reduce the number of boaters who
lose their lives by drowning each year by approximately 80 %; and
WHEREAS, knowledge and skills are important in reducing human error and improving judgment; and
WHEREAS, if people are aware of the risk, they are likely to take the precautionary measures to protect
themselves and their friends and family; and
WHEREAS, that is why we must continue to spread the messages of boating safety not only during National Safe
Boating Week but also throughout the entire year; and
WHEREAS, on average, 700 people die each year in boating - related accidents in the U.S.; nearly 70% of these are
fatalities caused by drowning; 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, do hereby 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 19-25,2012, 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 Seal of the Village orth alm h to be affixed
this 10th day of May, 2012. h�'���'