Legislation to require children and teenagers
to take a boating safety course before operating a jet
ski or other water craft has cleared its first legislative
hurdle. Senate Bill 1495, known as the Kyle Williams Boating
Safety Education Act, won approval from the Senate Appropriations
Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary on Wednesday
morning. The legislation is named for a 12-year-old Oklahoma
boy who died as a result of a jet ski accident in August,
2004.
“This session we’re working hard in the Senate
to make a safer Oklahoma. Currently, we are one of only
eight states that does not require some kind of boating
education for teens and children. But 80 percent of fatalities
on the water occur when the water craft operator hasn’t
had any boater education. That’s why we need SB
1495,” said Corn,
D-Poteau.
Corn, who serves as chair of the Subcommittee on Public
Safety and Judiciary is principal author of the measure.
His co-author is Sen. Todd Lamb, R-Edmond. The Williams
are Lamb’s neighbors and constituents.
“As a parent, my heart goes out to the Williams.
As a Senator, I am compelled to do everything possible
to ensure this doesn’t happen to another Oklahoma
family. We wouldn’t let a 12-year-old take off on
a motor cycle or drive a car without any training—yet
that’s exactly what we do with jet skis. It simply
does not make sense,” Lamb said.
Under SB 1495, anyone born on or after January 1, 1991,
would be required to take a boating safety course before
operating a jet ski or boat. In addition, any boat operators
at least 12 but under 16 would have to take the course
and be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years
old.
At a press conference on Monday, Kyle’s parents
spoke in favor of the legislation.
“This bill, Kyle’s bill, Senate Bill 1495,
which we so desperately hope becomes law, will not bring
Kyle back. But if it can prevent this from happening again
to anyone else, then Kyle’s death will not be in
vain,” said Sue Williams, Kyle’s mother.
The measure now moves to the full Senate Appropriations
Committee for approval.
For
more information contact:
Senator Corn's Office - (405) 521-5576
