FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 15, 2009

Safe Boating Week – ‘Wear it!’
May 16 thru 22

FREEHOLD – Yesterday, the Monmouth County Freeholders told residents to “Wear it!” as part of the National Safe Boating Week (May 17-23) and encouraged all boaters to wear their life jackets, boat responsibly and enroll in a safe boating class.

“Wearing a life jacket when on the water is the responsible thing to do,” Freeholder Lillian G. Burry said. “Monmouth County has more than 45 marinas and is home to a vast number of large and small pleasure boats. Residents and their guests will be on the water this summer and we want them to be safe at all times – wearing a life jacket is a great first step.”

Burry presented the proclamation to Lou and Trudy Bopp, members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Sandy Hook Division, in recognition of their on-going efforts in providing educational opportunities for boaters that make local waterways safer for an increasing number of boats.

“Responsible boaters should learn the local boating regulations, master the ‘rules of the road’ not drink alcohol, wear their life jackets and practice safe boating habits,” Burry said. “The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary provides safe boating instruction for all ages in order to prevent boating accidents and to teach rescue and survival techniques in case one does occur.”

Each year in the United States, boating-related accidents take the lives of more than 700 people, with nearly 70 percent of these fatalities caused by drowning. A majority of the accidents are caused by human error or poor judgment and not by the boat, equipment or environmental factors. 

#     #     #

Photo Caption (left to right): Freeholder Lillian G. Burry presented a proclamation in recognition of Safe Boating Week (May 16-22, 2009) to Trudy and Lou Bopp of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Sandy Hook Division.