H.R. No. 1785

	R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, National Safe Boating Week is being observed from
	May 20 to 26, 2023; and
	WHEREAS, Boating, including fishing, sailing, paddling, and
	waterskiing, is an immensely popular recreational activity, and the
	U.S. Coast Guard and its federal, state, and local partners
	encourage all boaters to explore and enjoy America's beautiful
	waters responsibly; and
	WHEREAS, According to the National Safe Boating Council,
	approximately 650 people die in boating-related accidents in the
	United States each year, and 75 percent of those fatalities are
	caused by drowning; the vast majority of accidents occur because of
	human error or poor judgment and can be easily prevented through
	basic safety practices, such as carrying emergency communications
	equipment, participating in free boat safety checks, remaining
	sober while navigating, and wearing life jackets; and
	WHEREAS, Statistics have shown that nearly 83 percent of
	those who drowned in boating mishaps were not wearing a life jacket;
	although many boaters stow life jackets on board, there is rarely
	enough time to properly employ one in the event of an accident; in
	an effort to increase people's willingness to wear this essential
	piece of safety equipment, modern life jackets have been designed
	to be smaller, lighter, and more comfortable; and
	WHEREAS, Boating accidents happen regardless of one's level
	of experience, and wearing a life jacket is the most effective way
	to prevent drowning for veteran and novice boaters alike; now,
	therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
	Legislature hereby recognize May 20 to 26, 2023, as National Safe
	Boating Week and encourage Texans to practice safe boating habits
	and to wear life jackets at all times while on the water.
	Buckley
	______________________________
	Speaker of the House
	I certify that H.R. No. 1785 was adopted by the House on May
	25, 2023, by a non-record vote.
	______________________________
	Chief Clerk of the House