Rep. Sheltrown offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 119.

A resolution proclaiming the week of May 19-25, 2007, as Michigan Safe Boating Week.

Whereas, Michigan has more than 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers, and shoreline on four of the Great Lakes.  With more than 250,000 registered watercrafts, the state leads the nation in water recreation; and

Whereas, Michigan’s exquisite coastlines, rivers, and lakes are prime settings for a wide range of activities, from fishing and swimming to water skiing and boating; and

Whereas, Most boating related injuries and deaths are a result of human error or poor judgment.  Often these injuries and deaths could easily be prevented using common sense making boating safety the first priority and ensuring that everyone on board always wears a life jacket; and

Whereas, The state of Michigan, US Coast Guard, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the Department of Natural Resources supports safe boating with safe boating  courses, vessel safety checks, chart updating, navigational aids verification, marine safety, and search and rescue activities to keep Michigan waters safe; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body proclaim the week of May 19-25, 2007, as Michigan Safe Boating Week.  We urge all citizens to boat smart, boat safe, and wear a life jacket.