By: Hunter (Senate Sponsor - Hinojosa) H.C.R. No. 46
         (In the Senate - Received from the House May 12, 2021;
  May 12, 2021, read first time and referred to Committee on
  Administration; May 21, 2021, reported favorably by the following
  vote:  Yeas 5, Nays 0; May 21, 2021, sent to printer.)
Click here to see the committee vote
 
 
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
 
  WHEREAS, Every year, countless Texans flock to beaches to
  enjoy the sunshine, sand, and waves, but it is important for
  visitors to be aware of the potential dangers that can arise from
  swimming in the ocean; and
         WHEREAS, Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of
  fast-moving water that flow outward to sea; these currents have an
  average speed of around one to two feet per second, but some can be
  as fast as eight feet per second; many swimmers are caught off guard
  by the sensation of being pulled out to sea and react by attempting
  to swim directly to shore, putting themselves at risk of exhaustion
  and drowning; and
         WHEREAS, Signs that a rip current may be present include a
  break in the wave pattern, a visible channel of choppy, churning
  water, a line of foam or debris moving seaward, and a difference in
  water color; if a swimmer is caught in a rip current, he or she
  should swim parallel to, rather than against the force of the
  current, until it is weak enough that the swimmer can head to shore;
  if he or she is unable to escape that way, it is best to float or
  tread water and signal for help; it is imperative that swimmers
  remain calm and try to conserve their energy; and
         WHEREAS, Beach visitors should be mindful of the flag warning
  system, which is used to signal hazardous conditions in the water,
  such as strong currents, high bacteria levels, and jellyfish or
  other marine life; visitors can also receive daily updates on the
  beach conditions from the National Weather Service; and
         WHEREAS, Recognizing and being prepared for rip currents and
  other hazards can save lives, and it is important that Texans take
  the time to educate themselves about these dangers to ensure that
  they have a safe, healthy, and enjoyable beach vacation; now,
  therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the 87th Legislature of the State of Texas
  hereby designate April as Beach Safety and Rip Current Awareness
  Month; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section
  391.004(d), Government Code, this designation remain in effect
  until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally
  passed by the legislature.
 
  * * * * *