Safe Boating Awareness Week
May 22-28, 2010

WHEREAS, the week of May 22nd to 28th has been declared North American Safe Boating Awareness Week; and,

WHEREAS, Kingston is Canada's first capital of fresh water sailing, home to Flora MacDonald Confederation Basin, Portsmouth Olympic Harbour and a place for seasonal and transient docking; and,

WHEREAS, traditionally the long weekend in May marks the unofficial start of summer and the beginning of the boating season when countless Kingston visitors and residents head out to enjoy our magnificent lake and other lakes and waterways throughout the province, participating in every type of boating, from a canoe or kayak trip to a power or sail boat cruise to a great day on the lake fishing; and,

WHEREAS, the Canadian Safe Boating Council is in the business of promoting safe and responsible boating throughout Canada as well as actively promoting key safety messages nationally; and,

WHEREAS, Safe Boating Awareness Week is a cooperative campaign developed for Canadian boaters and delivered by a large and dedicated number of boating safety stakeholders that includes government agencies, non-profit organizations, for profit companies, media outlets and individual volunteers; and,

WHEREAS, with everyone's continued support the Canadian Safe Boating Council along with its members and partners can continue to reduce the number of recreational boating incidents and save lives;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The City of Kingston will join other like-minded political jurisdictions across Canada and the United States and declare May 22 to 28, 2010, Safe Boating Awareness Week and encourage boaters to focus on the five key tips to boating safety which are; wear your life jacket, don't drink and boat, take a boating course, be prepared and beware of cold water risks.

Dated at Kingston, this 19th day of May, 2010
Harvey Rosen, Mayor