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By Chris Young / America's Boating Club of the Pamlico

On Monday afternoon, Washington Mayor Donald Sadler signed a proclamation declaring May 21-27, 2022 as Safe Boating Week in Washington to coordinate with National Safe Boating Council’s Campaign in raising the public’s awareness of boating safety. Pictured to the right beside Mayor Sadler is April DeGennaro and to the left Rio DeGennaro, Executive Officer, of America’s Boating Club of the Pamlico a unit of the United States Power Squadrons® known as America’s Boating Club®. Their mission is to provide local safety programs and public educational opportunities along with free boat inspections.
Most recreational boaters, sailors, personal water craft and fishermen are by now either on the water or making preparations to enjoy the enormous river/bay resources we are blessed to have in the Washington area. The theme of the National Safe Boating Campaign is “Ready, Set, Wear It”!
North Carolina ranks in the top 8 states for boater fatalities with a significant number of boaters drowning each year would be alive today had they worn their life jackets; boater education has shown to make a significant difference in boating accidents and related injuries.
Currently published USCG reports, 75% of fatal boating accident victims due to drowning. Of those drowning victims, 86% were not wearing a life jacket. It is clear that hundreds of those might have been saved had they worn a life jacket. It is further reported that 77% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator did not receive boating safety instruction. Based on increased boat sales, insurance policies taken out, insurance claims and calls for towing assistance the USCG reports a significant rise in boating activity.
On Saturday, May 21, America’s Boating Club of the Pamlico will kick off National Safe Boating week at the Harbor District Maritime Festival. Look for us at the Marine Flea Market area as we further spotlight the importance of safe boating. Squadron members will provide information concerning safety requirements, North Carolina state boating regulations, boating education and we will have several different types of personal floatation devices (PFDs) on display.
For more information on your local America’s Boating Club of the Pamlico visit our website at www.pamlicosailandpowersquadron.org.