Title
Safe Boating Week proclamation
Memorandum
PROCLAMATION
Safe Boating Week
May 19-25, 2012
WHEREAS, on average, 700 people die each year in boating related accidents in the United States; approximately 70% of these fatalities are 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, the Ann Arbor Sail and Power Squadron, a squadron of the Unites States Power Squadron has taught safe boating classes in Washtenaw County for more than 45 years and teaches that today's 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, John Hieftje, Mayor of Ann Arbor, Michigan, do hereby support the goals of the North American Safe Boating Campaign and proclaim May 19th-25th, 2012 as National Safe Boating Week in Ann Arbor and the start of the year round effort to promote safe boating. I encourage all those who boat to wear their life jackets and practice safe boating habits.
I hereby set my hand and seal
This 7th day of May, 2012
John Hieftje, Mayor