AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Texas offers numerous opportunities for residents and visitors to take part in water-related recreation.  While the benefits of such activities are many, it is vitally important that proper measures be taken to avoid accidents, whether individuals are enjoying lakes, rivers, the Gulf of Mexico, or a public or private pool, water safety is essential to preventing drowning and injuries.

 

Each year, more than 100 Texas children die from drowning, making it one of the leading causes of childhood injury deaths.  Moreover, the rates of drowning-related deaths in the state are consistently higher than the national average. 

 

Studies of seasonal variations have shown that two-thirds of the drowning deaths of young children and adolescents occur in the months of May through August.  Raising awareness of this issue in advance of the summer months will encourage the citizens of the Lone Star State to exercise caution and will help reinforce the message that water safety is everyone's responsibility.

  

RESOLVED

 

That the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate April as Water Safety Month.

 

That in accordance with the provisions of Section 391.004(d) (relating to the expiration of a designation of a day, week, or month for recognition), Government Code, the designation expires on the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is passed by the legislature.