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SR 81

SPECIAL DAY/WEEK/MONTH: Designates May 16 through 23, 2026, as Safe Boating Week in Louisiana.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Franklin Foil

Louisiana designates May 16–23, 2026 as Safe Boating Week to promote education and safer boating practices on state waters.

Enrolled. Signed by the President of the Senate and sent to the Secretary of State by the Secretary of the Senate on 4/23/2026.
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Bill Summary · SR 81

Summary: SR 81 (Louisiana) – Safe Boating Week Designation (May 16–23, 2026)

Overview

  • Bill Type: Senate Resolution (SR)
  • Jurisdiction: Louisiana
  • Session: 2026 Regular Session
  • Sponsor: Senator Foil (co-sponsor: Franklin Foil)
  • Purpose: Designate a specific week in 2026 as Safe Boating Week in Louisiana.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution designates May 16–23, 2026 as Safe Boating Week in Louisiana.
  • It highlights the importance of safe boating practices to reduce injuries and fatalities among recreational boaters.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Formal designation of a nationwide-aligned safety awareness period within the state:
    • May 16–23, 2026 designated as Safe Boating Week.
  • Recites context and rationale:
    • References to federal programs and historical recognition of Safe Boating Week (National Safe Boating Week).
    • Cites statistics and safety considerations, including:
    • Louisiana has a large recreational boating presence (over 300,000 boats on Louisiana waters; nearly 12 million registered recreational boats nationwide).
    • The majority of boating incidents are due to human error or poor judgment rather than equipment or environment.
    • The dangers of drowning in boating incidents, with 2024 Coast Guard data noting:
      • Drowning as the cause of death in 76% of recreational boating fatalities.
      • 87% of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.
    • Emphasizes the importance of life jackets, engine cut-off switches, adherence to navigation rules, and avoiding alcohol/drug use while operating a boat.

Note: As a concurrent resolution, the bill does not impose new regulatory requirements or funding; its effect is to designate a period for awareness and education.

Who/What is Affected

  • Primary effect: Louisiana residents, visitors, and recreational boaters participating on Louisiana waters during the designated period (May 16–23, 2026).
  • Secondary effect: Public awareness and safety education efforts within Louisiana related to boating safety during Safe Boating Week.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: April 15, 2026
  • Action: Read by title and placed on the calendar for a second reading.
  • The designation is a symbolic/awareness resolution with no fiscal impact stated and does not create implementing regulations or new duties beyond emphasis on safety practices during the designated week.

Key Takeaways

  • SR 81 serves to align Louisiana with national, stateside recognition of Safe Boating Week.
  • It underscores the importance of personal responsibility in boating safety (life jackets, engine cut-off switches, sober operation, navigation rule compliance).
  • The resolution aims to promote education and safer boating behavior for the enjoyment and protection of Louisiana’s waterways during the designated week.

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

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