PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, The Stratford Water Safety Plan organized by the Stratford Waterfront and Harbor Management Commission, with support from the Stratford Harbormaster, Stratford Flotilla 24-02 of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Department of Homeland Security, Stratford Marine Unit and Stratford Fire Marine Unit are dedicated to the advancement and promotion of Safe boating practices on the waterways bordering the town of Stratford; and

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, modern life jackets are more comfortable, more attractive, and more wearable than styles of years past and deserve a fresh look by today's boating public.

NOW, THEREFORE, I James R. Miron, Mayor, do hereby support the goals of Safe Boating and proclaim May 19-25, 2007, as National Safe Boating Week and the start of the year-round effort to promote safe boating in and around the town of Stratford Connecticut.

James R. Miron, Mayor