[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 89 (Tuesday, May 23, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E699-E700]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF SAFE BOATING WEEK

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 23, 2017

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, today I stand to recognize Safe Boating Week 
beginning on May 20th and ending on May 27. I ask my colleagues to join 
me in drawing attention to this important issue and making water-based 
recreational activities safer and more enjoyable for all.
  I would like to thank the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary 
Flotilla 3-5 for hosting a Safe Boating and Water Safety Day in 
Sacramento on May 20. They will be holding demonstrations and 
presenting safety displays along the river water fronts for all 
families and residents in attendance. I believe that efforts such as 
these are crucial to reducing the number of boating-related deaths and 
injuries that occur each year.
  Most boating accidents are preventable and occur because of human 
error, not because of environmental factors. In 2016, 266 boating 
accidents resulted in 150 injuries and 36 fatalities in Northern 
California alone. Many of these fatalities can be attributed to the 
victim not wearing a life jacket. We must make it explicitly known to 
the general public that today's life jackets are more affordable, more 
comfortable, and truly key to avoiding accidental drownings. Together, 
we must encourage all boaters to practice safe boating, attend safe 
boating classes, and live by the slogan ``Wear It California!''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in recognizing Safe 
Boating Week activities in West Sacramento.

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