P R O C L A M A T I O N
WHEREAS, the 64th annual 2026 Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade and events, which recognizes the United States Marine Corps as the honored military service branch and celebrates its 250th Anniversary, coincides with the National Safe Boating Council’s 2026 National Safe Boating Week, May 16th through May 22nd; and
WHEREAS, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary – Southwest District Southern Region Division 12 Public Affairs team, in addition to other Auxiliarists from neighboring units, have consistently participated with the City of Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade events planning and interact with general public attendees at the Parade and static displays in an effort to educate and advance Recreational Boating Safety; and
WHEREAS, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 12, whose members are immensely successful in their boater safety education and outreach efforts, and desire to bring attention to important life -saving resources for recreational boater members of our community so that they can enjoy safer experiences when participating in water related activities throughout the year; and
WHEREAS, the vast majority of recreational boating fatalities were due to boaters not wearing properly fit and approved Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), and most recreational boating accidents usually involve simple factors, often relating to human error, lack of education or operating while intoxicated, and can stay safe throughout the season by adhering to practical, but important measures and preparation; and
WHEREAS, qualified volunteer organizations, such as local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotillas, provide Recreational Boating Public Education courses and resources, including the frequent and popular “Boat America” California state approved boating safety classes that can assist responsible operators to earn the California Boater Card; and
WHEREAS, owners of boats, personal watercraft and paddlecraft can request complimentary Vessel Safety Checks by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, to make sure recreational watercraft are in full compliance with all Federal and State boating laws during a safety check for the respective year.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE K. CHEN, as Mayor of the City of Torrance, California, do hereby proclaim May 16 to 22, 2026 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. We urge all who enjoy recreation boating activities to practice safe boating habits and always wear a Personal Flotation Device while boating, become better educated through safe boating courses, for operators to obtain the California Boater Card, and for owners of watercraft to request free Vessel Safety Examinations. We remind all to continue to practice Safe, Sober and Responsible Recreational Boating.
6C
1 Signed this 5th day of May 2026.
________________________
Mayor George K. Chen
________________________________ ________________________________ Councilmember Jeremy Gerson Councilmember Bridgett Lewis
________________________________ ________________________________ Councilmember Jon Kaji Councilmember Aurelio Mattucci
________________________________ ________________________________ Councilmember Sharon Kalani Councilmember Asam Sheikh
ATTEST:
Rebecca Poirier, City Clerk
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