HomeMy WebLinkAbout19-101RESOLUTION NO. 19-101
A RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MAY 18-24, 2019 AS
"NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK" IN ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, has made the
following determinations:
1. For nearly 100 million Americans, boating continues to be a popular recreational activity and
pasttime. From coast to coast, people are taking to the water and enjoying time together boating,
sailing, paddling, and fishing. During National Safe Boating Week, the U.S. Coast Guard and its
federal, state, and local safe boating partners encourage all boaters to explore and enjoy America's
beautiful waters responsibly. .
2. Safe boating begins with preparation. The Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary estimates
that human error accounts for 70% of all boating accidents and that life jackets could prevent nearly
85% of boating fatalities. Through basic boating safety procedures — carrying lifesaving emergency
distress and communications equipment, wearing life jackets, attending safe boating courses,
participating in free boat safety checks, and staying sober when navigating, we can help ensure
boaters on America's coastal, inland and offshore waters stay safe throughout the sea.
3. National Safe Boating Week is observed to bring attention to important life-saving tips for
recreational boaters so they can have a fun and safe experience out on the water throughout the
year:
On average, 650 people die each year in boating -related accidents in the United States
and nearly 76% of these are fatalities caused by drowning; and
The vast majority of these accidents are caused by human error or poor judgment and
not by the boat, equipment, or environmental factors.
4. A significant number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year would be alive
today had they worn their life jackets and is why May 17, 2019 is "Wear Your Lifejacket to Work Day".
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie
County, Florida:
1. This Board supports the goals of the North American Safe Boating Campaign and does hereby
proclaim the week of May 18-24, 2019 as "NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK" and the start of the
year-round effort to promote safe boating in St. Lucie County, Florida.
2. This Board urges the citizens of St. Lucie County who boat to practice safe boating habits and
wear a life jacket, attend safe boating classes, and be safe at all times while out on the water.
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 2151 day of May, 2019.
ATTEST:
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. LUCIE COON—_TYDA
BY
CHAIR
RRECTNESS: