Read the full stored bill text
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
Recognizing the week of May 16 through 22, 2026, as "National
Safe Boating Week" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Boating is a fun and healthy recreational activity,
from canoeing and kayaking on Pennsylvania's numerous creeks and
ponds to deepwater boating on large rivers and lakes; and
WHEREAS, Safety is the most important consideration in any
boating activity; and
WHEREAS, Basic knowledge, skills and safety equipment are
required to ensure that boat operators, whether first-time
participants or seasoned operators, understand the exemplary
benefits of being out on the water as well as potential risks
and dangers; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, in
partnership with other organizations and entities, provides
basic boating courses, paddling safety and educational
opportunities for the public; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania law requires an individual to obtain a
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
boating safety education certificate if the individual was born
after January 1, 1982, and operates a powerboat with a motor
greater than 25 horsepower or if the individual operates a
personal watercraft; and
WHEREAS, United States Coast Guard-approved, properly sized
and fitted life jackets are required for each person aboard a
watercraft; and
WHEREAS, Life jackets are the most important piece of
equipment on a boat, as nearly 80% of all boating fatalities in
this Commonwealth occur because boaters were not wearing a life
jacket at the time of the incident; and
WHEREAS, Lives can be saved each year by the simple act of
wearing life jackets while boating; and
WHEREAS, Safe boating practices and the responsible, legal
use of prescription drugs or alcohol are everyone's
responsibility; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing and promoting safe boating practices and
wearing a life jacket while enjoying Pennsylvania's waterways
are essential; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
week of May 16 through 22, 2026, as "National Safe Boating Week"
in Pennsylvania.
20260HR0496PN3307 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22