Assembly Resolution No. 1399
BY: M. of A. Rules (Seawright)
MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
July 2026, as Rip Current Awareness Month in the
State of New York
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues
which 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 July 2026, as Rip Current
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving
water headed away from shore that aren't easy for recreational swimmers
to spot; panicked swimmers who find themselves caught in a rip current
often try to swim against it, which only increases their risk of
drowning due to fatigue that quickly turns into exhaustion; and
WHEREAS, According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, rip currents are more likely to occur at low tide, when
waves are breaking over sandbars near the shore; they are commonly found
on all surf beaches, including Great Lakes beaches; and
WHEREAS, Rip current speeds can vary from moment to moment and can
quickly increase to become dangerous to anyone entering the surf,
sweeping even the strongest swimmer away from shore; and
WHEREAS, The average speed of rip currents are 1-2 feet per second,
but they have been measured as fast as 8 feet per second, faster than an
Olympic swimmer; and
WHEREAS, Rip currents can be very narrow or more than 50 yards wide;
sometimes a rip current ends just beyond the line of breaking waves,
however, others may continue to flow hundreds of yards offshore; and
WHEREAS, A scientific review of data provided to the United States
Lifesaving Association found that there are over 100 deaths each year in
the U.S. attributed to rip currents; and
WHEREAS, Rip currents account for over 80% of rescues performed by
surf beach lifeguards; and
WHEREAS, Clues that a rip current may be present include: a narrow
gap of darker, seemingly calmer water between areas of breaking waves
and whitewater; a channel of churning, choppy water; a difference in
water color; and/or a line of foam, seaweed or debris moving seaward;
and
WHEREAS, When a swimmer is caught in a rip current it is important
to: relax, rip currents do not pull you under; do not swim against the
current; you may be able to escape by swimming out of the current in a
direction following the shoreline, or toward breaking waves, then at an
angle toward the beach; you may be able to escape by floating or
treading water if the current circulates back toward shore; if you feel
you will be unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself; if you
need help, yell and wave for assistance; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, to protect yourself and your family from rip
currents, always swim in an area protected by lifeguards, never swim
alone, and when in doubt, do not enter the water; and
WHEREAS, Alexandra Demoura, a Nassau County resident, star athlete
at Garden City High School, nationally recognized gymnast, and student
leader at George Washington University was caught in a rip current and
tragically lost her life; and
WHEREAS, Josephine Demoura, Alexandra's mother, has dedicated her
life to her beloved daughter's memory by advocating for education on the
dangers of rip currents; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of the
dangers of rip tides, and more must be done to increase activity at the
local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim July 2026, as Rip Current
Awareness Month in the State of New York; 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.
