Mayor Dennis Clough proclaims May 19-25 as ‘National Safe Boating Week’

Mayor Dennis Clough, center, presents a proclamation to members of the North Coast Ohio Sail and Power Squadron, from left: Jack Salisbury, Elliott Manke, Louise Manke, Mary Glassco and Rev. Jon Paulus.

Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough recently presented several members of the North Coast Ohio Sail and Power Squadron with a special proclamation at Westlake City Hall. In addition, the mayor declared the week of May 19 to May 25 as National  Safe Boating Week to raise awareness about boating safety.

On average, 700 people die each year in boating-related accidents in the United States. Approximately 70 percent are fatalities caused by drowning, and the vast majority of these accidents are caused by human error or poor judgment and not by the boat, equipment or environmental factors.

A significant number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year would be alive today had they worn a life jacket.

“Knowledge and skills are important in reducing human error and improving judgment,” the proclamation read. “Boating safety education courses are available through America’s Boating Club – the U.S. Power Squadrons, such as the local North Coast Ohio Sail and Power Squadron and the local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.”

The purpose of North Coast Ohio Sail and Power Squadron is to serve the public and its membership by promoting boating safety through education. As part of that mission, the North Coast Squadron offers several carefully planned courses in subjects such as seamanship, piloting, plotting and position finding, and celestial navigation among others.

The proclamation presentation was attended by trained vessel safety examiners, who wore life jackets as a reminder of the No. 1 safety measure to take in all types of boating whether it be paddle/canoe, fish boat, sail boat or cruiser. Vessel safety checks by certified examiners remind boaters of all federal safety requirements, for example: “All boat operators born after 1982 must be licensed by passing an approved boat class.”

A five-week class sponsored by North Coast Ohio Sail and Power Squadron will start Tuesday, May 29, 6:30-9 p.m., at the Rocky River Recreation Center. For more information contact Jim Christman: 440-537-4800, jimjwc@hotmail.com. A new program, "Jump Start," will aid new boaters in learning basic and simple but necessary skills aboard the owner’s boat. For more information contact Jim Mason: 216-905-7234, jmason1626@cox.net.

To have an examiner come to the location of your boat, contact Cdr. Elliott Manke, at 216-221-2899 or louiseelliott.manke@gmail.com; or Jim Mason at 216-905-7234 or jmason1626@cox.net.