STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation

Whereas, this year, the Empire State celebrates 50 years of recreational boating education which has largely been provided throughout the years at little or no cost by hundreds of volunteer instructors; and

Whereas, New York’s magnificent rivers, lakes and coastal waters provide an unlimited range of water recreation and sporting activity for individuals of all ages – from a relaxing canoe or kayak trip upon a tranquil lake, to an offshore fishing expedition, to an exhilarating rafting adventure on one of our many challenging rivers; and Whereas, traditionally, the month of May marks the beginning of the boating season – a time when millions of visitors and residents begin planning their vacations, weekend excursions or day trips where they will enjoy the diverse natural resources of the Empire State; and

Whereas, each year residents and visitors to New York’s waterfront communities enjoy safe recreational boating with their friends and families, spending almost $2 billion and generating a similar impact on the State’s annual economy; and

Whereas, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation strives to ensure safe and enjoyable recreational boating for the operators and passengers of nearly 500,000 registered power boats and countless manual and sail-powered watercraft that have access to the State’s outstanding water resources; and

Whereas, all those who venture out on the water are reminded to develop and practice safe and responsible habits, including wearing a life jacket, completing a safe boating course, properly equipping and inspecting their vessel, and refraining from mixing alcohol with boating; and

Whereas, we continue to work with our partners, including the United States Coast Guard, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadrons, the National Safe Boating Council, and the many state and local law enforcement units, as well as other boating safety enthusiasts, as we herald in National Safe Boating Week;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim May 16-22, 2009 as

SAFE BOATING WEEK

in the Empire State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twelfth day of May in the year two thousand nine.

David A. Paterson
Governor

Lawrence Schwartz
Secretary to the Governor