HR0740LRB103 40493 LAW 72910 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, For over 100 million Americans, boating continues 
3to be a popular recreational activity; from coast to coast, 
4and everywhere in between, people are enjoying time together 
5boating, sailing, paddling, and fishing; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Safe boating begins with preparation; the U.S. 
7Coast Guard estimates that human error accounts for most 
8boating accidents and that life jackets could prevent nearly 
975% of boating fatalities; and
 
10    WHEREAS, On average, 650 people die each year in 
11boating-related accidents in the U.S., with 75% of these 
12accidents resulting in fatalities caused by drowning; and
 
13    WHEREAS, The vast majority of these accidents are caused 
14by human error or poor judgment and not by the boat, equipment, 
15or environmental factors; and
 
16    WHEREAS, A significant number of boaters who lose their 
17lives by drowning each year would be alive today had they worn 
18their life jacket; and
 
19    WHEREAS, Basic boating safety procedures, such as carrying 
20lifesaving emergency distress and communications equipment, 
 
 
HR0740- 2 -LRB103 40493 LAW 72910 r

1wearing life jackets, attending safe boating courses, 
2participating in free boat safety checks, and staying sober 
3when navigating, can help ensure boaters on America's coastal, 
4inland, and offshore waters stay safe throughout the season; 
5therefore, be it
 
6    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE 
7HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that 
8we declare May 18 through May 24, 2024 as Safe Boating Week in 
9the State of Illinois; and be it further
 
10    RESOLVED, That we urge all those who boat to practice safe 
11boating habits and wear a life jacket at all times while 
12boating; and be it further
 
13    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
14presented to the National Safe Boating Council as a symbol of 
15our respect and esteem.