WHEREAS, Alaska offers numerous outdoor water activities including kayaking, river rafting, sport fishing, and boating on a multitude of available waterways, and Alaska’s lakes, rivers, and coastline are used for recreation, work, subsistence, and transportation; and

WHEREAS , for the unprepared, boating activities can quickly become deadly ; and

WHEREAS, the vast majority of Alaska’s boating fatalities involve a sudden, unexpected cold water immersion event following a capsize, ejection, or fall overboard; and

WHEREAS, many boaters experience a higher risk of drowning during a cold water immersion event, regardless of swimming ability; and

WHEREAS, the best way for Alaskan boaters to remain safe and prepared on the water is to wear a life jacket, carry communication and signaling devices, and remain sober; and

WHEREAS, by emphasizing safety first, we can all help reduce loss of life and property damage on Alaska’s waterways.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim May 18 – 24, 2024 as:

Safe Boating Week

in Alaska and encourage all boaters to wear a life jacket, carry emergency communication and distress signaling devices on their person, attach engine cutoff devices, take boating safety courses, and never use alcohol or other substances that could impair judgment while on the water.