Assembly Resolution No. 1211

BY: M. of A. Galef

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
May 19-25, 2018, as Safe Boating Week in the State
of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National Safe Boating Week

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 Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 19-25, 2018, 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, 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 80 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, On average, 650 people die each year in boating-related
accidents in the U.S. and Bryan Johnson was one among those 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, 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 Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 19-25, 2018, 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 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.