Proclamation "National Safe Boating Week"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Millions of Americans take to our waterways for recreational boating each year for exercise and relaxation. Recreational boating is a highly enjoyable sport, but can become dangerous and risky when boaters and/or passengers fail to practice safe boating techniques. On average, approximately 700 people die each year in boating-related accidents in theU.S., and approximately 70% of these are fatalities caused by drowning. The vast majority of these accidents are caused by human error or poor judgment and not by the boat, equipment, or environmental factors. A significant number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year would be alive today had they worn their life jackets. Knowledge and skills are extremely important in reducing human error and improving judgment during recreational boating. We must continue to spread the messages of safe boating, not only during National Safe Boating Week, but throughout the entire year.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Joseph T. McElveen, Jr., Mayor of the City of Sumter, South Carolina, do hereby support the goals of the North American Safe Boating Campaign and proclaim, May 21 – 27, 2011 as:

“NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK”
in the
CITY OF SUMTER

and hereby urge all citizens to join me in observing this week of safe boating and to “Wear it” and to educate themselves and practice safe boating habits to protect themselves and their friends and family.

Joseph T. McElveen, Jr., Mayor