Today, Palm Beach County Mayor Robert Weinroth presented a proclamation declaring May 21-27, 2022, as National Safe Boating Week to volunteers of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 51 of the Palm Beaches (auxiliary). As the largest volunteer arm of the U.S. Coast Guard, enhancing recreational boating safety and educating the public is their primary mission.

The auxiliary offers boating courses to boaters of all levels, taught by trained instructors committed to the highest standards. They also offer free courtesy inspections to boaters to ensure that their boat and equipment meet all federal and state safety requirements.

Current U.S. Coast Guard statistics indicate 650 people die annually in boating-related accidents in the U.S, and 86% of the fatalities are caused by drowning. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these accidents are the result of human error and/or poor judgment and not by the boat, equipment or environmental factors.

“We urge boaters to help prevent these tragedies and take a safe boating class, have their boats inspected and wear life jackets,” said Weinroth.

For more information on these programs with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, visit cga​ux.org​ or contact Paul Lordi at plordi@hotmail.com​.