WHEREAS, Alaska is known for its beautiful lakes, rivers, and thousands of miles of coastline, all providing endless opportunities for a wide variety of water-related activities enjoyed by Alaskans and visitors alike; and
WHEREAS, swimming and aquatic-related activities promote increased physical and mental health and studies have shown that those who live near water live happier lives; and
WHEREAS, water safety education plays an essential role in the prevention of drownings and other recreational water-related injuries, and constant vigilance when recreating around water is essential for people of all ages and abilities; and
WHEREAS, swimming facilities and aquatic programs provide healthy places to learn or strengthen swimming skills, which enable Alaskans to safely enjoy the great outdoors; and
WHEREAS, obeying water safety rules is important to the safety of all Alaskans, whether utilizing a public or private pool, or enjoying one of the bodies of water that surround many Alaskan communities; and
WHEREAS, it is vital to understand the importance of communicating water safety rules to families and individuals of all ages, and to always set a good example for others while utilizing pools, swimming in a lake or river, or while using other water-related recreational gear, like kayaks, canoes, or motorized boats.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Michael J. Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim May 2019 as:
Water Safety Month
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to educate themselves and our youth on techniques to safely enjoy water-related activities, and to follow safety precautions when around water.
