Gerry Studds: “Recreational boating safety is one of those areas where legislation Congress passed has actually worked. Since the…”

“Recreational boating safety is one of those areas where legislation Congress passed has actually worked. Since the Federal Boat Safety Act was enacted in 1971, the national recreational boating fatality rate has declined five-fold, from over 20 fatalities per 100,000 boats in 1971 to 4 per 100,000 in 1992. However, a recent National Transportation Safety Board [NTSB] study of recreational boating accidents identified several areas where more could be done. For example, over half of all boating accidents involve alcohol and only nine States have comprehensive boating-while-intoxicated laws. Second, 85 percent of the persons who drowned in boating accidents were not wearing lifejackets. Third, no more than 22 percent of first time boat operators have taken even a basic boating safety course. Finally the NTSB found that accident reporting is poor and that the reports submitted are incomplete. This bill addresses these four problems.”