Commissioners proclaim National Safe Boating Week; Mansfield Power Squadron outlines safety programs

The Richland County Board of Commissioners read a proclamation May 14 recognizing National Safe Boating Week and committing to year-round boat-safety promotion.

Gary Shriver of the Mansfield Power Squadron thanked the board for the proclamation and described the squadron's volunteer safety classes, navigation and electronics training, and free vessel safety checks performed under a memorandum of understanding with the Coast Guard Auxiliary. "We teach public boating classes... we offer those free of charge," Shriver said, and noted age and horsepower rules for Charles Mill Lake that affect personal watercraft use.

Commissioner Cliff Mears presented the proclamation and offered to take a photo with the squadron representative. Commissioners and community representatives discussed scheduling for an upcoming public event at Charles Mill and potential weather-related date changes; no formal county action beyond the proclamation was taken.