Safe Boating Week Announced In Lakewood

LAKEWOOD, OH — Mayor Michael Summers has declared the week of May 20-26 "Safe Boating Week." Summers said in a statement on the city's website that he hopes the focus will keep residents safe while they enjoy Lake Erie.

The Coast Guard compiles an annual report of all recreational boating accidents and deaths. In the most recent report, for 2015, there were 4,158 accident resulting in 626 deaths, 2,613 injuries and $42 million in damage.

Pursuing the goal of boater safety, Summers also issued a proclamation to North Coast Ohio Sail and Power Squadron. The squadron helps educate boaters on proper safety procedures.

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

The squadron was previously called the Rocky River Sail and Power Squadron.

“In Lakewood, safety is one of the key objectives. And boater safety fits in within our goals,” said Summers in a statement. “We want our residents to be safe while enjoying our greatest natural resources: Lake Erie and the Rocky River.”

You can read more about boating safety week on the city's website.

Photo from Rick Uldricks, Patch