WHEREAS, for over 100 million Americans, boating continues to be a popular recreational activity. 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; 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 83 percent 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; 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, in Fiscal Year 2022, the Department of Public Safety’s Boating Safety Section responded to total of thirty-eight (38) distressed vessels and one (1) capsized vessel; and
WHEREAS, in Fiscal Year 2022, the Department of Public Safety’s Boating Safety Section responded to total of four (4) overdue swimmer/fishermen/divers, and two (2) stranded swimmers; and
WHEREAS, in Fiscal Year 2022 the CNMI had a total of three (3) near-drowning cases and one (1) drowning case resulting in death; and
WHEREAS, the 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, I, ARNOLD I. PALACIOS, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, AND, I, DAVID M. APATANG, Lt. Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands by virtue of the authority vested in us by the Constitution and Laws of the Commonwealth, do hereby proclaim the week of May 20 to 26, 2023, as
NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK
We urge all those who boat to practice safe boating habits and wear a life jacket at all times while boating.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands on this 28th day of April 2023.
/s/
ARNOLD I. PALACIOS
Governor
/s/
DAVID M. APATANG
Lieutenant Governor
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