Recognizing that in 1995, Washington State had one of the four highest numbers of pediatric boating-related deaths, that in 1994, there were a total of 35 adult and child boating-related deaths (29% of the total drowning deaths) in Washington State, that there were 4 boating related child deaths in 1995 and 2 more in 1997and that for every death an average of 4 children are hospitalized for near-drowning,

Recognizing that limited swimming skills and cold water exposure put children at very high risk should they end up in the water due to capsizing or a fall overboard and that adults who jump in the water to rescue children are also put at high risk of drowning; and

Recognizing that life jackets are worn by 89% of children under age 4, by 67% of children age 4 to 14 and only 13% of people age 14 and older; and

Recognizing that the U.S. Coast Guard estimates that 85% of all boating related deaths are preventable through proper use of life jackets; and that 86% of boating related deaths occurred in small boats; and

Recognizing that State law requires boats to carry a personal floatation device for each person on board and that the device be accessible, but does not require they be worn while the boat is underway;

1. Support legislative efforts to require all children 9 years of age or younger wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation device when on a vessel under 19 feet in length while underway;
   
2. Support public education and awareness campaigns that encourage all children and adults to wear personal flotation devices while boating; and
   
3. Support programs that assure access to personal floatation devices.

Adopted by the vote of the Membership assembled at the 1998 Annual Business meeting of the Association, October 5, 1998 in Yakima, Washington.

Signed by: George Hilton, WSPHA President

1. Public Health Improvement Plan, Washington State Department of Health, 1994.
   
2. Child Life Jacket Legislation, 1998.