Arizona to Observe National Safe Boating Week

Governor Napolitano proclaims May 17-23, 2008 Arizona Safe Boating Week

Phoenix – In observance of National Safe Boating Week (NSBW) and with the Memorial Day weekend approaching, Mary Klock, Division Captain for Arizona’s Coast Guard Auxiliary urged boaters and anglers to be safe while on the water. In honor of NSBW, Governor Jane Napolitano also issued a proclamation recognizing May 17-23, 2007 as Arizona Safe Boating Week. “Memorial Day weekend is traditionally the start of the boating season. Many individuals will be out on the water enjoying the beautiful weather, but it’s also important that they’re mindful of basic safety,” said Klock. “I encourage those who haven’t already taken a boating safety course to do so. The techniques that are taught in the safety education classes are potentially life saving.”

Safety education courses are a key to the state’s boating safety effort. Nationwide, nearly 90 percent of all reported fatalities on boats involved boat operators who had not received boating safety instruction.

State law requires anyone age 12 or younger to wear a life jacket while aboard any watercraft at all times when the boat is underway. The Coast Guard Auxiliary urges everyone to wear a life jacket when the boat is underway, not tied up, not anchored, or not aground. Everyone, regardless of age, is required to wear a life jacket while operating a personal watercraft or jet ski.

Statistics compiled by U.S. Coast Guard based on data submitted by Arizona Game & Fish Department show that 14 people died and 151 other people were injured in boating-related accidents on Arizona waters in 2006 (latest year for which data is available). There were a total of 209 boating accidents in Arizona that year.

Accident reports indicate several people may have survived had they been wearing a life jacket. In those fatal accidents, most people who died were on boats in which the boat operators either had not taken or it was not known whether they had taken a formal boat safety education course.

Among the primary causes of boating accidents are careless or reckless operation, operator inattention, equipment failure, hazardous water conditions and alcohol use.

“During this time of year, a lot of people are out on the water, some experienced and others who are going out for the first time,” said Klock. “This can make for a dangerous mix if people are not being safe. I encourage individuals who plan on drinking to do it on shore; boaters and anglers alike are reminded to be attentive and equally as important, people should always wear a life jacket. Those simple steps can help reduce the risk of accident or serious injury.”

As a kick off to National Safe Boating Week, the Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron will conduct courtesy boat inspections Saturday morning, May 17 at the Ten Lane Ramp at Lake Pleasant. They will be checking boats for proper registration, availability of personal flotation devices, and to ensure lights are in working order, among other things. This is a non-law enforcement activity aimed to help boater comply with the law and to be safe on the water. A Coast Guard HH-60F, Jayhawk helicopter will also be demonstrating air-sea rescue techniques that morning. This is all part of the Arizona Safe Boating Celebration and National Safe Boating Week in Arizona.

Text of the Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano’s proclamation is as follows:

WHEREAS, on average, 700 people die each year in boating-related accidents in the U.S.; nearly 70% of these are fatalities caused by drowning; 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; and

WHEREAS, boating knowledge and skills are important in reducing human error, improving judgment, and reducing accidents. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Phoenix Sail and Power Squadron pledge to continue training Arizona boaters in safe boating practices.

THEREFORE, I, Janet Napolitano, Governor of the State of Arizona, do hereby proclaim May 17 – 23, 2087 as

ARIZONA SAFE BOATING WEEK

###