THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY J. EVANS AND STABACK, MAY 9, 2011

INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, MAY 9, 2011  

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing the week of May 21 through 27, 2011, as "National

Safe Boating Week."

WHEREAS, More Pennsylvanians than ever are heading to the

waterways for recreation and relaxation. Boating has become the

Commonwealth's premier recreational activity as people discover

the Keystone State's wonderful waterways, from wilderness

canoeing on the Clarion River to deep water boating on the

Delaware to exhilarating whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny

River; and

WHEREAS, As more people turn to the water, safe boating

practices and boating safety education are more important than

ever. Whether enjoying water sports for the first time or

carrying on long-standing nautical traditions, all boaters need

to start the season with the basic knowledge and skills required

to ensure their own safety and the safety of their fellow

Pennsylvanians who take to the water; and

WHEREAS, This year's theme, "Wear It Pennsylvania!," is

designed to raise public awareness of the importance of life

jacket wear and the comfort of inflatable life jackets. Life

jackets are the most important piece of equipment on a boat. In

fact, nearly 80% of boating fatalities in Pennsylvania were not

wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident; and

WHEREAS, In recognizing that fact, lives could be saved each

year by the simple act of wearing life jackets; and

WHEREAS, Life jackets are more comfortable, more attractive

and more wearable than styles of years past; and

WHEREAS, The law requires that a wearable life jacket be

carried for each person on a boat; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives support the goals

of "Wear It Pennsylvania!" and recognize the week of May 21

through 27, 2011, as "National Safe Boating Week" and the start

of the year-round effort to promote safe boating in

Pennsylvania.