HomeMy WebLinkAbout20-106 RESOLUTION NO. 20-106
A RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MAY 16-22, 2020 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, and everywhere in between, 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 season.
3. National Safe Boating Week is observed to bring attention to important life-saving tips for
recreational boaters so they can have a safer, fun experience out on the water throughout the year:
• On average, 650 people die each year in boating-related accidents in the United States and 80%
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.
• 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 15, 2020 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 Safe Boating Campaign and does hereby proclaim the
week of May 16-22, 2020 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, maintain a safe distance of 50 feet from each other on
the water and allow no more than 10 passengers on a vessel at anytime during these challenging
times.
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 19th day of May 2020.
ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. L CIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
DE UTY C RKCHAIR
APPROVE CORRECTNESS:
CO NTY ATT N