Safe Boating Week

WHEREAS, thousands of Alabamians are drawn with friends and family to enjoy the natural beauty of our State’s rivers, lakes and coastal waters for recreational boating, fishing and other activities; and

 WHEREAS, although recreational boating on Alabama’s waters can provide both excitement and relaxation, it also comes with inherent risks; and

 WHEREAS, boating-related accidents are often the result of human error and poor judgment brought about by excessive speed, failure to follow safe navigation rules, and drinking or taking drugs while operating watercraft; and

 WHEREAS, boating injuries and fatalities are made especially tragic by the fact that most are preventable by simple safe boating practices; and

 

WHEREAS, the best and easiest ways for Alabamians to make their recreational boating experience safe and enjoyable is for every boat operator to make safety their first priority and ensure that everyone on board always wears a Coast Guard approved life jacket; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of the importance of recreational boating safety, I call upon all Alabamians to learn how to enjoy our State’s waters safely and responsibly through the use of safe boating practices:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim May 21 through May 27, 2011, as

Safe Boating Week

in the State of Alabama .

 

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 21st day of April 2011.

 

      

Governor Robert Bentley