[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 243 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                          May 23, 2005.
Whereas recreational boating is one of our Nation's most popular pastimes, with 
        an estimated 78,000,000 recreational boaters in the United States and 
        nearly 13,000,000 recreational vessels registered;
Whereas the number of recreational boating fatalities has declined by more than 
        half since 1970, thanks to the increased use of life jackets, 
        cooperative boating safety education, enforcement efforts between the 
        Coast Guard and State governments, and safer vessels and equipment 
        manufactured in accordance with Coast Guard standards;
Whereas recreational boating accidents have nevertheless claimed the lives of 
        703 Americans in 2003, more than half of whose lives could have been 
        saved with the proper use of a personal flotation device;
Whereas a continued emphasis on accident prevention can reduce recreational 
        boating fatalities still further, and in particular deaths by drowning, 
        which remain the leading cause of recreational boating fatalities; and
Whereas the National Safe Boating Council, with the support of the Coast Guard 
        and the Coast Guard Auxiliary, has proposed designating the week of May 
        21 through 27, 2005, as National Safe Boating Week: Now, therefore, be 
        it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports initiatives for recreational boating safety education 
        and accident prevention to minimize the number of annual recreational 
        boating fatalities;
            (2) recognizes the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the 
        National Safe Boating Council for their efforts each year during May to 
        highlight the importance of safe recreational boating; and
            (3) supports the goals of National Safe Boating Week.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.