Whereas, Michigan is home to over 11,000 inland lakes, thousands of miles of rivers, borders four of the five Great Lakes, and home of Boat Town U.S.A, making our state a premier destination for recreational boating; and
Whereas, Boating is a cherished tradition of fantastic diversity of water-based recreation for Michigan families and visitors each year, offering opportunities for recreation, family time, tourism, and connection with nature; and
Whereas, There has been a long and important presence of responsible boating safety in our Great Lakes State; and
Whereas, Participation in recreational boating has increased in recent years, which comes with a heightened need for promoting safe boating practices, including the critical importance of navigation awareness, operator responsibility, using common sense, mandatory safety equipment, monitoring weather conditions, accessible life jackets and understanding fundamental safety guidelines; and
Whereas, National Safe Boating Week, observed in May, serves as a springboard for broader education efforts across the month, encouraging boaters to be responsible, stay alert, have a float plan, and take safety seriously before heading out on the water; and
Whereas, State agencies, law enforcement, safety organizations, and volunteer groups across Michigan play an essential role in educating the public on learning and practicing safe boating by taking boating education courses, getting vessel safety checks, using commons sense, being weather-wise, operating soberly, and knowing the nautical rules of the water to ensure that captains and crew return to the shores of beautiful Michigan safely; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 2025 as Boating Safety in the state of Michigan. We encourage all residents and visitors to engage in safe and responsible boating practices.
Co-sponsored by Reps.
Adopted in the House by voice vote
