Assembly Resolution No. 325

BY: M. of A. Jean-Pierre

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
May 22-28, 2021, 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 22-28, 2021, 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; during the COVID-19 pandemic, more people
are taking to the water and enjoying fun outdoor activities such as
boating, sailing, paddling and fishing; and

WHEREAS, New York has some of the strongest boating laws in the
Nation in order to help keep our boaters safe; 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, Boating is an extremely popular activity in New York State,
from Lake Erie to the Long Island Sound; 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, On average, 650 people die each year in boating-related
accidents in the United States and Bryan Johnson and Brianna Lieneck
were among those who tragically lost their lives in boating accidents;
and

WHEREAS, Following the losses of Bryan Johnson and Brianna Lieneck,
the New York State Legislature enacted Brianna's Law mandating that all
individuals operating propelled vessels take a boating safety course and
be educated on the current laws in New York State about boating; and


WHEREAS, 76 percent of the people who die each year in
boating-related accidents in the United States are fatalities caused by
drowning and most 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
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 Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 22-28, 2021, 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.