To remind residents of the importance of staying safe at our beaches and while boating this summer, the Park Board has proclaimed May 24-31 as Highland Park Beach Safety Week and May 22-28 as Safe Boating Week in Highland Park.

The proclamations coincide and support the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) National Beach Safety Week and the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Safe Boating Week. The Park Board urges all residents using our beaches to enjoy themselves at the beach this year while taking appropriate measures to protect themselves and their children.

Additionally, as boating continues to be a popular recreational activity, the Park Board is bringing attention to critical life-saving tips for recreational boaters so that they can have a safer, more fun experience out on the water throughout the year.

Park District of Highland Park
Beach Safety Week Proclamation

WHEREAS, the beautiful Lake Michigan public beaches of Highland Park, Illinois represent a valued recreational resource; and,

WHEREAS, Highland Park residents and visitors alike are drawn to these beaches each year for water and beach activities; and,

WHEREAS, the aquatic environment has dangers, particularly rip currents, that can be effectively managed through public awareness and the vigilance of professional lifeguards; and,

WHEREAS, for reasons of public safety, an annual reminder of the joys and hazards associated with the aquatic environment are appropriate at the commencement of the busy summer beach season; and,

WHEREAS, Highland Park residents and visitors alike must remember: Learn to Swim, Swim Near a Lifeguard, Swim with a Buddy, Check with the Lifeguards, Use Sunscreen and Drink Water, Obey Posted Signs, Keep the Beach and Water Clean, Learn Rip Current Safety, Enter Water Feet First, and Wear a Life Jacket.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Park Board of Commissioners by virtue of the authority vested in us for the Park District of Highland Park do hereby proclaim May 24-31, 2021 as:

Beach Safety Week in Highland Park, and urge all residents using our beaches to enjoy themselves at the beach this year, while taking appropriate measures to protect themselves and their children.

Park District of Highland Park
Safe Boating Week Proclamation

National Safe Boating Week is observed to bring attention to important life-saving tips for recreational boaters so that they can have a safer, more fun experience out on the water throughout the year.

• WHEREAS, on average, 600 people die each year in boating-related accidents in the U.S.; 79 percent of these are fatalities caused by drowning; and
• WHEREAS, the vast majority of these accidents are caused by human error or poor judgment and not by the boat, equipment or environmental factors; and
• WHEREAS, a significant number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year would be alive today had they worn their life jackets.

Therefore, the Board of Commissioners for the Park District of Highland Park, do hereby support the goals of the Safe Boating Campaign and proclaim May 22-28, 2021 as:

Safe Boating Week in Highland Park, and the start of the year-round effort to promote safe boating.   We urge all those who boat to practice safe boating habits and always wear a life jacket while boating.