District Digest News Stories

Tennessee governor signs Safe Boating Week proclamation

Nashville District Public Affairs
Published May 18, 2011
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam (Center) poses for a photo at the Tennessee State Capitol at Nashville, Tenn., May 18, 2011 with his proclamation for Safe Boating Week, which is May 21-27, 2011. The proclamation had previously been signed May 4, 2011 by the governor. Army Maj. William Judson (Far right), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District deputy district engineer, represented the Corps at the event. Also represented are the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Music City Power Squadron, and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. (USACE photo by Lee Roberts)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam (Center) poses for a photo at the Tennessee State Capitol at Nashville, Tenn., May 18, 2011 with his proclamation for Safe Boating Week, which is May 21-27, 2011. The proclamation had previously been signed May 4, 2011 by the governor. Army Maj. William Judson (Far right), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District deputy district engineer, represented the Corps at the event. Also represented are the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Music City Power Squadron, and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. (USACE photo by Lee Roberts)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam (Center) poses with a "Wear It Tennessee" sign for a photo at the Tennessee State Capitol at Nashville, Tenn., May 18, 2011. (USACE photo by Lee Roberts)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam (Center) poses with a "Wear It Tennessee" sign for a photo at the Tennessee State Capitol at Nashville, Tenn., May 18, 2011. (USACE photo by Lee Roberts)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 18, 2011) -- Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam held a brief ceremony at the Capitol today to highlight his Proclamation for Safe Boating Week, which is May 21-27, 2011.

He welcomed representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Music City Power Squadron, and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to the event.  All of these organizations are vested in promoting water safety on Tennessee’s waterways and lakes.

Maj. William Judson, Nashville District deputy district engineer, met the governor and joined the group for a photo opportunity with the governor who held the Proclamation.

“It was great that the governor highlighted the importance of being safe when operating a boat,” Judson said.  “He even took the time at the end of the session to provide a short public service announcement encouraging citizens of Tennessee to wear life jackets when out on the water.”

Carolyn Bauer, a natural resources specialist with the Nashville District, also attended and said the Proclamation sends a message to all Tennesseans that the governor wants people to be safe when boating and recreating this summer.

Bauer said the Corps of Engineers and their partners encourage using common sense teamed with fun as a good prescription for a safe and enjoyable day on the lake: wear a life jacket, keep a proper lookout, don’t drink and boat, use caution around dams, and take a safe boating course.

The governor actually signed the Safe Boating Week Proclamation May 4, 2011, but this ceremony took place close to Safe Boating Week in order to have a greater impact on getting safety messages out to the public. 

State of Tennessee Proclamation by the Governor

Whereas, the people of Tennessee are its greatest asset and their quality of life is of great importance; and

Whereas, the Volunteer state’s expansive system of waterways enjoyed annually by millions of our state’s citizens but are such enjoyment is sometimes marred by tragedy through drowning in a preventable boating accident; and

Whereas, a new generation of life jackets are comfortable, cooler, and provide greater flotation; and

Whereas, Tennessee has been selected as the focus state for the national WEAR-IT campaign which encourages boaters to wear a life jacket; and

Whereas, May 21-27, 2011 is designated as National Safe Boating Week and will coincide with the kick-off of the WEAR-IT TENNESSEE campaign;

Now, THEREFORE, I, Bill Haslam, Governor of the State of Tennessee, do hereby proclaim May 21-27, 2011 as Safe Boating Week in Tennessee and encourage all citizens to join me in this worthy observance.

(For more information about the WEAR-IT TENNESSEE campaign, go to http://www.wearittennessee.com.  For more news and information about the Nashville District, follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube pages.)