HR 496 — A Resolution recognizing the week of May 16 through 22, 2026, as "National Safe Boating Week" in Pennsylvania.

PRINTER'S NO.    3307

                  THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA



           HOUSE RESOLUTION
              No. 496
                                              Session of
                                                2026

     INTRODUCED BY HOHENSTEIN, WAXMAN, HARKINS, NEILSON, CONKLIN,
        KULIK, HILL-EVANS, SANCHEZ, McNEILL, DOUGHERTY, GUENST,
        FREEMAN, GALLAGHER, RIVERA, CEPEDA-FREYTIZ, PASHINSKI,
        MALAGARI, D. WILLIAMS AND HADDOCK, APRIL 28, 2026

     REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON GAME AND FISHERIES, APRIL 29, 2026


                               A RESOLUTION
 1   Recognizing the week of May 16 through 22, 2026, as "National
 2      Safe Boating Week" in Pennsylvania.
 3      WHEREAS, Boating is a fun and healthy recreational activity,
 4   from canoeing and kayaking on Pennsylvania's numerous creeks and
 5   ponds to deepwater boating on large rivers and lakes; and
 6      WHEREAS, Safety is the most important consideration in any
 7   boating activity; and
 8      WHEREAS, Basic knowledge, skills and safety equipment are
 9   required to ensure that boat operators, whether first-time
10   participants or seasoned operators, understand the exemplary
11   benefits of being out on the water as well as potential risks
12   and dangers; and
13      WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, in
14   partnership with other organizations and entities, provides
15   basic boating courses, paddling safety and educational
16   opportunities for the public; and
17      WHEREAS, Pennsylvania law requires an individual to obtain a
 1   boating safety education certificate if the individual was born
 2   after January 1, 1982, and operates a powerboat with a motor
 3   greater than 25 horsepower or if the individual operates a
 4   personal watercraft; and
 5      WHEREAS, United States Coast Guard-approved, properly sized
 6   and fitted life jackets are required for each person aboard a
 7   watercraft; and
 8      WHEREAS, Life jackets are the most important piece of
 9   equipment on a boat, as nearly 80% of all boating fatalities in
10   this Commonwealth occur because boaters were not wearing a life
11   jacket at the time of the incident; and
12      WHEREAS, Lives can be saved each year by the simple act of
13   wearing life jackets while boating; and
14      WHEREAS, Safe boating practices and the responsible, legal
15   use of prescription drugs or alcohol are everyone's
16   responsibility; and
17      WHEREAS, Recognizing and promoting safe boating practices and
18   wearing a life jacket while enjoying Pennsylvania's waterways
19   are essential; therefore be it
20      RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
21   week of May 16 through 22, 2026, as "National Safe Boating Week"
22   in Pennsylvania.




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