Backup Documents 05/13/2025 Item # 4EPROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Florida leads the nation with over 1 million registered vessels across the state. Collier
County registered almost 25,000 vessels in 2023. Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC)
reported 619 boating accidents in Florida in 2023 with 56 fatalities, and 20 accidents
reported in Collier County with no fatalities. Florida has the dubious distinction of leading
the Nation in boating accidents,
WHEREAS, the Coast Guard estimates that all error accounts for most boating accidents and that
life jackets could prevent nearly 86 percent of boating fatalities. Through basic boating
safety procedures such as carrying lifesaving emergency distress and communications
equipment, wearing life jackets, attending safe boating courses, participating in free boat
safety checks, and staying sober when on the water, we can help ensure boaters on
America's coastal, inland, and offshore waters stay safe throughout the season; and
WHEREAS, National Safe Boating Week is observed to bring attention to important life-saving tips for
recreational boaters so that they can have a safer, more fun experience on the water
throughout the year.
WHEREAS, 564 people died in 2023 in boating -related accidents in the United States, and most of
these accidents were 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 properly fitted life jackets; and
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida,
that May 17-23, 2025, be designated as
NATIONAL SAFE BOATIING WEEK
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 13th Day of May 2025
Board of County Commissioners
Colli County, Flori
Burt L. Saunders, Chairman