P R O C L A M A T I O N
WHEREAS,the 2025 Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade and events, which recognizes the United States Army as the honored military service and celebrates its 250th Anniversary this year, coincides with the National Safe Boating Council’s 2025 National Safe Boating Week, May 17th through May 23rd; and WHEREAS, the members of United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Division 12 – Santa Monica Bay, supported by members of District 11 Southern Region, have consistently participated with the City of Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade events and have been fiercely strong advocates in the promotion of Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) for all boaters and age groups, and take immense pride and satisfaction in advocacy, outreach and education efforts for members of our community; and WHEREAS, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 12 Public Affairs team members, supported by members of District 11 Southern Region, plan, facilitate and interact with public attendees of the Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade and static displays in an effort to educate and advance Recreational Boating Safety; and
WHEREAS,as of January 1, 2025, the State of California, with limited exceptions, requires ALL Powerboat operators, including sailboats and paddlecraft that are equipped with motors, if California is the State of primary residency for the boat operator, to obtain and carry the California Boater Card while boating under their operational control, per California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways; and WHEREAS,qualified volunteer organizations, such as local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotillas which augment the Active-Duty U. S. Coast Guard, provide Public Education courses and resources, including frequent and local California state approved boating safety courses that can assist in earning the California Boater Card; and
WHEREAS,promotion of “The Boating Safety Seven” greatly assists in improving safety and reducing recreational boating-related accidents, injuries and fatalities, and includes the following simple initiatives: Wear your Personal Flotation Devices; Take a boating safety class; Carry all required safety gear; Use your engine cut-off switch; File a float plan; Be aware of weather and water conditions; Boat sober and be considerate of others.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, George K. Chen, as Mayor of the City of Torrance, California, do hereby proclaim the week of May 17 to 23, 2025, as
NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK
in the City of Torrance, and the start of the year-round effort to promote safe boating and support the goals of the Safe Boating Campaign and partners such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to further advocate and assist in increasing Recreational Boating Safety.
Signed this 6th day of May 2025.
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Mayor George K. Chen
ATTEST:
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Rebecca Poirier, City Clerk