From left, Rebecca Martin, Robert Simpson, William Nelson, Tim Burke with dog Molly and John Gardner.

OGDENSBURG -- Mayor William D. Nelson made a proclamation in recognition of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s “National Safe Boating Week,” May 16 to 25.

The group’s campaign “Ready, Set, Wear It!” is about raising awareness on the importance of wearing a life jacket.

Nelson’s proclamation:

“Recreational boating is fun and enjoyable, and we are fortunate that we have sufficient resources to accommodate the wide variety of pleasure boating demands. However, our waterways can become crowded at times and be a place of chaos and confusion. While being a marvelous source of recreation, boating, to the unprepared, can be a risky sport. Not knowing or obeying the Navigation Rules or the nautical “Rules of the Road,” drinking alcohol or taking drugs while operating a boat, or choosing not to wear your life jacket when doing so is clearly not the smart thing to do, are all examples of human error or a lack of proper judgment. One particular behavior that can reduce the number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year by approximately 80% is the wearing of a life jacket. It is a simple task that has the potential to reduce terrible loss in lives.

Knowledge and skills are important in reducing human error and improving judgment. If people are aware of the risk, they are likely to take the precautionary measures to protect themselves and their friends and family. That is why we must continue to spread the messages of boating safety not only during National Safe Boating Week but also throughout the entire year.

Whereas, on average, 700 people die each year in boating-related accidents in the U.S.; approximately 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, today's 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.

Therefore, we, do hereby support the goals of the North American Safe Boating Campaign and proclaim May 16-22, 2015, as National Safe Boating Week and the start of the year-round effort to promote safe boating.

In witness thereof, we urge all those who boat to “Wear it.” and practice safe boating habits.”