Next week proclaimed National Safe Boating Week

Minden Mayor Tommy Davis signed a proclamation Wednesday declaring May 21-27 as National Safe Boating Week. Tyler Garrett, an incoming junior at Minden High School, was one of seven students who completed a boating safety course under the tutelage of Jerry Madden, the national Rear Commander of Squadron Activities of the U.S. Power Squadrons and his wife Cindy Madden, commander of the Shreveport unit of the U.S. Sail and Power Squadron. Statistics show that 700 people die each year in boating-related accidents in the U.S., and more than 35 people die in Louisiana alone. The theme for this year’s awareness week is “Boat Smart. Boat Safe. Wear It.,” in an effort to educate the public of the importance of wearing a life jacket and practicing safe boating habits.