Safe Boating Week

WHEREAS, Alabama is blessed with an abundance of beautiful rivers, tranquil lakes and emerald coastal waters whose natural beauty draws thousands of Alabamians for recreation and relaxation; and

WHEREAS, although captivating, Alabama’s waters hold potential dangers to boaters, fishermen and other water-goers; and

WHEREAS, boating accidents can occur at any time and are typically the result of poor judgment and unsafe boating practices; boating accidents involve both novice and experienced boaters and can occur on both calm and turbulent waters; and

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

WHEREAS, by practicing responsible boating, Alabamians can avoid preventable injuries and enjoy all the pleasures that our state’s waterways have to offer; and

WHEREAS, to make their boating experience safe and enjoyable, every boat operator should complete a boating safety course, not operate a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and ensure that everyone on board always wears a Coast Guard approved life jacket and all required safety equipment is on board; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of the importance of recreational boating safety, I hereby 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 the week of May 19 through May 25, 2012 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 May 2012.

      

Governor Robert Bentley