Assembly Resolution No. 522
BY: M. of A. Levenberg
MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 17 - 23, 2025, as Safe Boating Week in the State
of New York
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize official weeks that are set
aside to increase awareness of issues that affect the lives of citizens
of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 17 - 23, 2025, as Safe
Boating Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Safe Boating Week; and
WHEREAS, National Safe Boating Week is the U.S. Coast Guard and the
National Safe Boating Campaign's Annual Week of Recognition to bring
attention to important life-saving tips for recreational boaters so they
can have a safer, more enjoyable experience out on the water throughout
the year; and
WHEREAS, For nearly 100 million Americans, boating continues to be a
popular recreational activity; from coast to coast, and everywhere in
between, people are taking to the water and enjoying time together
boating, sailing, paddling, and fishing; and
WHEREAS, Safe boating begins with preparation and the Coast Guard
estimates that human error accounts for 70 percent of all boating
accidents, and that life jackets could prevent more than 85 percent of
boating fatalities; and
WHEREAS, Through simple 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, New Yorkers can help
ensure boaters on New York's waters stay safe throughout the season; and
WHEREAS, Many boaters have never taken a boating safety course and,
while they may think they are abiding by the navigation laws, they put
themselves, as well as others, in danger; and
WHEREAS, In 2022, the Coast Guard counted 4,040 accidents that
involved 636 deaths, 2,222 injuries, and approximately $63 million of
damaged property as a result of recreational boating accidents; the
fatality rate was 5.4 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational
vessels; and
WHEREAS, Bryan Johnson was one of many victims who tragically lost
his life while in a 2012 boating accident; and
WHEREAS, Following the loss of Bryan Johnson, the New York State
Legislature enacted a law that mandates that anyone born after 1996 must
take an eight hour boating safety course; and
WHEREAS, 76 percent of the people who die each year in
boating-related accidents in the United States are fatalities caused by
drowning; 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, The U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the
reported cause of death in three out of every four recreational boating
fatalities, and that 87% of those who drowned were not wearing life
jackets; 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; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body reaffirms its commitment to fostering
continuing attention to boating safety in New York State, and encourages
all New Yorkers to participate in Safe Boating Week; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 17 - 23, 2025, as Safe
Boating Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Safe Boating Week; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.
