Declare Boating Safety Month

Senate Resolution No. 2290 BY: Senator CARLUCCI MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim July 2020, as Boating Safety Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official months that are set aside to increase awareness of issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, The month of July is the height of summer, where water-based activities such as boating are at their peak; and WHEREAS, In 2012, Bryan Johnson lost his life in a tragic boating accident; one year later, legislation was enacted which mandates anyone born after 1996 take an eight hour boating safety course; and WHEREAS, There were 17 deaths related to recreational boating in New York State in 2018; and WHEREAS, Inexperienced and/or reckless boaters cause a great deal of danger and property damage when they irresponsibly operate at excessive speeds while not obeying navigation laws or do not understand the laws; and WHEREAS, Many boaters have never taken a boating safety course and, while they may think they are abiding by the navigation laws, they put themselves, as well as others, in danger; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body reaffirms its commitment to fostering continuing attention to boating safety in New York State, and encourages all New Yorkers to participate in Boating Safety Awareness Month; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim July 2020, as Boating Safety Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.