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Water Safety Month

May 1, 2021

WHEREAS, Alaska is renowned for its beautiful lakes, rivers, and thousands of miles of coastline and Alaskans thrive in, and appreciate, the unique outdoor opportunities life in the Last Frontier provides; and

WHEREAS, residents and visitors enjoy endless opportunities for a wide variety of water-related activities including boating, fishing, swimming, and even surfing. Studies have shown that those who live near water live happier lives and aquatic-related activities promote increased physical and mental health; and

WHEREAS, water-safety education plays an essential role in preventing drownings and 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 develop or strengthen swimming skills, which enable Alaskans to safely enjoy the great outdoors; and

WHEREAS, following water safety rules is important for the protection 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, jet skis, or motorized boats.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim May 2021 as:

Water Safety Month

in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to educate themselves and our youth on techniques to safely enjoy aquatic-related activities, and to observe safety precautions when around water.

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