HR0061 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0061 LRB103 30603 LAW 57043 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, For over 100 million Americans, boating continues to be a popular recreational activity; from coast to coast, and everywhere in between, people are enjoying time together boating, sailing, paddling, and fishing; and

WHEREAS, Safe boating begins with preparation; the U.S. Coast Guard estimates that human error accounts for most boating accidents and that life jackets could prevent nearly 83% of boating fatalities; and

WHEREAS, On average, 650 people die each year in boating-related accidents in the U.S., with 75% of these accidents resulting in 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 jacket; and

WHEREAS, Basic boating safety procedures, such as carrying lifesaving emergency distress and communications equipment, wearing life jackets, attending safe boating courses, participating in free boat safety checks, and staying sober when navigating, can help ensure boaters on America's coastal, inland, and offshore waters stay safe throughout the season; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare May 20 through May 26, 2023 as Safe Boating Week in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge all those who boat to practice safe boating habits and wear a life jacket at all times while boating; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the National Safe Boating Council as a symbol of our respect and esteem.