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K 1399

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim July 2026, as Rip Current Awareness Month in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session

The bill seeks a ceremonial proclamation to declare July 2026 Rip Current Awareness Month and promote public education on rip currents and beach safety.

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Bill Summary · K 1399

Summary of Bill K 1399 (2025-2026, New York)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill is an Assembly Resolution memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim July 2026 as Rip Current Awareness Month in New York State.
  • Its central aim is to raise public awareness about rip currents and promote safety near coastal and surf beach areas.

Key provisions and changes

  • Official action requested: The Governor would declare July 2026 as Rip Current Awareness Month.
  • Content shared in the resolution includes background information on rip currents, their dangers, detection clues, and recommended safety actions for swimmers.
  • The resolution cites statistics and guidance from credible sources (e.g., National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United States Lifesaving Association) to justify the awareness effort.
  • It references public education objectives, including staying within lifeguarded areas, swimming with others, and proper responses if caught in a rip current.

Who or what would be affected

  • Primary recipient of the bill’s action: Governor of New York State (Kathy Hochul) to issue the proclamation.
  • Public impact: The proclamation would support statewide awareness campaigns and educational messaging about rip current dangers, potentially influencing beachgoer behavior during July 2026.
  • Stakeholders mentioned or implicated: Lifeguards, local beaches, schools, and families—especially those near coastal and Great Lakes beaches where rip currents can occur.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Adopted by the New York State Assembly on May 19, 2026 (with a prior referral on May 18, 2026).
  • Procedural path: A formal memorialization (resolution) directing the Governor to proclaim a month dedicated to rip current awareness.
  • Effective date: Contingent upon the Governor’s proclamation; the bill itself does not establish enforceable mandates beyond requesting the proclamation.
  • Deliverables: A copy of the resolution would be transmitted to the Governor.

Context and significance

  • The resolution emphasizes the technical and safety details of rip currents, including typical speeds, widths, and danger signs, to bolster public understanding.
  • It honors victims and families affected by rip current incidents, using Alexandra Demoura’s case as a humanizing example to motivate safety education.

Note: This bill does not create new laws or funding mechanisms; it seeks a ceremonial proclamation and to amplify public education about rip current safety.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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