The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla based in Canton will try to break a world record in the number of people pictured together wearing life jackets on Saturday, May 19.
At Monday’s regular meeting, the Belleville City Council approved the use of Horizon Park from 1 to 1:30 p.m. on that day for the event, which is called “Ready Set Wear it – Life Jacket World Record Day.”
The event is a part of National Safe Boating Week, May 19-25, said Debra Yeager, auxiliary staff officer, in a memo to the council. She said the goal is to promote the different kinds of personal flotation devices available, and also to educate the public about life jackets and safe boating in general. Yeager said she also has been working with the Belleville library on a program.
The Canton Flotilla held a boat safety class at I-94 Marina last Saturday and they reported it was so crowded that people stood outside trying to hear.
They are looking for other locations in the Belleville area for boating safety classes, and Fire Chief Bryan Loranger offered the fire hall and Police Chief Gene Taylor suggested the South Middle School Cafeteria, if there was a large crowd expected.
The auxiliary representatives said the primary role of their group is boating safety and education classes and Belleville Lake is the third most dangerous area for boating in the State of Michigan (not including the Great Lakes).
They reported that of the 66 people losing their lives on the Great Lakes in 2010, 90% were not wearing life jackets.
In making the motion to approve the use of Horizon Park for the picture of people wearing life jackets, Mayor Pro Tem Jack Loria said, “It’s great for our community to have something like that.”
Members of the audience in the council chambers said they are interested in beating the world record, now held by Canada, of 85 people wearing life jackets at the same time. Ohio is in second place with 66.
The auxiliary members said they already have the support of the marching band, the dive team, and other local groups.