City Council Recognizes National Safe Boating Week

The proclamation was presented by City Council Chairman Darrin Palumbo before a gathering of local boating advocates, many wearing life jackets as a visible reminder of the importance of boating safety. 

Jim Addison, Executive Officer of the Marco Island Power Squadron, formally accepted the proclamation on behalf of the organization. 

Chris Ricci, past Commander of the Marco Island Power Squadron, addressed the council and attendees during the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and safe boating habits. 

“Boating is a wonderful part of life here in Florida, but safety has to come first,” Ricci said. “One of the key purposes of this event is to spread a simple message: wear your life jacket.” 

Ricci also highlighted the educational mission of the Marco Island Power Squadron, which provides boating safety instruction and training for the local community. He noted that the Squadron’s “Wear It” campaign encourages boaters to make life jacket use a regular habit whenever on the water. 

Remarks were also delivered by Frank Ciriello, Vice Flotilla Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, who spoke about the Auxiliary’s ongoing efforts to promote boating safety throughout Southwest Florida. 

Special recognition was given to the Fort Myers Coast Guard Auxiliary, which recently received national attention in USA Today for its “Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day” campaign aimed at increasing boating safety awareness. 

The evening concluded with an ice cream reception sponsored by Sweet Annie’s in support of boating safety outreach and National Safe Boating Week. 

National Safe Boating Week serves as the annual launch of the Safe Boating Campaign, a nationwide initiative encouraging boaters to practice safe and responsible habits on the water throughout the boating season.