HomeMy WebLinkAboutPROCLAMATION National Safe Boating Week JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Adiel McKnight, Deputy Clerk of the Board
DATE: May 18, 2026
SUBJECT: PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming the Week of May 16-22, 2026 as National
Safe Boating Week
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
National Safe Boating Week 2026 runs from May 16-22, 2026, acting as the official kickoff to the summer
boating season and promoting responsible on-water behavior. The campaign focuses on essential safety tips,
including wearing life jackets, checking weather, and taking safety courses.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Proclamation re: Proclaiming the week of May 16-22, 2026 as National Safe Boating Week.
REVIEWED BY:
5/13q
Josh . Peters, County Administrator Date
PROCLAMATION
National Safe Boating Week
WHEREAS, for over 100 million Americans, boating continues to be a popular recreational
activity; and
WHEREAS, from coast to coast, and everywhere in between,people are taking to the water and
enjoying time together boating, sailing, paddling and fishing; and
WHEREAS, during National Safe Boating Week, the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Safe
Boating Council, along with federal, state, and local safe boating partners encourage all boaters to explore
and enjoy America's beautiful waters responsibly; and
WHEREAS, safe boating begins with preparation. The Coast Guard estimates that human error
accounts for most boating accidents and that life jackets could prevent nearly 75 percent of boating
fatalities; and
WHEREAS,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; and
WHEREAS,National Safe Boating Week is observed to bring attention to important life-saving tips
for recreational boaters so that they can have a safer, more fun experience out on the water throughout the
year; and
WHEREAS,on average, 650 people die each year in boating-related accidents in the U.S.; 75 percent
of these are fatalities caused by drowning; and
WHEREAS,he vast majority of these accidents are caused by human error or poor judgment and not
by the boat, equipment or environmental factors; and
WHEREAS, a significant number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year would be
alive today had they worn their life jackets;
NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED THAT Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
support the goals of the Safe Boating Campaign and proclaim May 16-22, 2026, as
National Safe Boating Week
In Jefferson County and encourage all visitors and residents to join all those who boat to practice safe boating
habits and wear a life jacket at all times while boating.
PROCLAIMED this 18th day of May 2026.
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SEAL:
Greg Brotherton, Chair
ATTEST: Heather Dudley-Nollette, Member
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC, Clerk of the Board Heidi Eisenhour, Member