TITLE: Encouraging safe boating practices and paying tribute to the life of Kali Gorzell of San Antonio.

SUMMARY: Encouraging safe boating practices and paying tribute to the life of Kali Gorzell of San Antonio.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, On July 20, 2012, 16-year-old Kali Gorzell of San Antonio lost her life in a boating accident on Aransas Bay, when the flats boat she was riding in unexpectedly swapped ends, ejecting her into the water; since that tragic day, her family has worked tirelessly to address safety concerns and raise public awareness of the potential operational defects of the hull designs of flats boats; and WHEREAS, In response to a consumer safety defect complaint filed by the Gorzell family, the United States Coast Guard hired an independent contractor in 2013 to conduct a study on the safety of flats boats; the evaluation found design flaws that, under certain conditions, made the boats vulnerable to swapping ends events during routine operation; and WHEREAS, The coast guard later published the report in its Fall 2014 Boating Safety Circular and shared operational practices for flats boats; these guidelines include having passengers occupy areas of the vessel behind the console, where handholds are more accessible, operating with the motor fully engaged with the water in a down position, and avoiding aggressive turns at speeds above 25 miles per hour; and WHEREAS, In addition to the coast guard's instructions, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department advises the public to wear life jackets, use a kill switch, and take a boating safety course to ensure optimal protection while on the water; and WHEREAS, Responsible boating practices help ensure safe and enjoyable water recreation and are of paramount importance to boaters of all ages and skill levels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Kali Gorzell and encourage boaters and anglers to heed warning labels and to employ safe boating practices; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Gorzell family in recognition of their steadfast resolve to educate the public on boating safety in the aftermath of their beloved daughter's passing. Larson Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 937 was adopted by the House on April 9, 2015, by the following vote: Yeas 143, Nays 0, 2 present, not voting. Chief Clerk of the House