President Barack Obama officially declared May 21-27 National Safe Boating Week.
“Safe boating is responsible boating. Individuals can prepare for excursions by taking boating safety courses and filing float plans with family members, relatives or friends.” Obama said in his proclamation. “To prevent accidents and drowning while on the water boaters should remain aware of weather conditions, perform vessel safety checks and ensure each passenger wears a life jacket and all required safety equipment is on board.
“Safe boating is also sober boating,” he added. “Alcohol use is a leading factor in fatal boating accidents, so limiting alcohol use while on or operating a boat can save lives.”
National Safe Boating Week was first declared in 1958.