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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, National Safe Boating Week is being observed from |
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May 18 to 24, 2013; and |
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WHEREAS, Recreational boating, including fishing and |
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waterskiing, is an immensely popular summer sport among Texans, and |
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waterways can quickly become crowded, resulting in confusion, |
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unforeseen risks, and, too often, tragedy; and |
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WHEREAS, According to the National Safe Boating Council, 700 |
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people die each year in boating-related accidents in the United |
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States, and approximately 70 percent of these fatalities are caused |
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by drowning; the vast majority of accidents occur because of human |
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error or poor judgment and can be easily prevented; recreational |
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boaters should never operate a boat while under the influence of |
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alcohol or drugs; and |
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WHEREAS, Statistics have shown that about 80 percent of those |
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who drowned in boating mishaps were not wearing a life jacket; |
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although many boaters stow life jackets on board, there is rarely |
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enough time to properly employ one in the event of an accident; in |
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an effort to increase people's willingness to wear this essential |
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piece of safety equipment, modern life jackets have been designed |
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to be smaller, lighter, and more comfortable; and |
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WHEREAS, Boating accidents happen regardless of one's level |
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of experience, and wearing a life jacket is the most effective way |
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to prevent drowning for veteran and novice boaters alike; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize May 18 to 24, 2013, as National Safe |
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Boating Week and encourage Texans to wear life jackets at all times |
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while on the water. |