Okla.’s Gov. Henry Signs Youth Boating Safety Bill

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry signed legislation aimed at improving boating safety requirements to protect young Oklahomans.

“The majority of boating fatalities involve operators who have not had proper training,” Henry said in a press announcement. “These commonsense measures will help ensure that our young people are prepared to safely operate boats and save lives on Oklahoma’s lakes.”

Senate Bill 1495 creates the Kyle Williams Boating Safety Education Act, named in honor of a 12-year-old Edmond boy who died in a jet-ski accident nearly two years ago. Authored by Sen. Kenneth Corn (D-Poteau) and Rep. Ken Miller (R-Edmond), the measure establishes new requirements for children under 16 to operate certain types of watercraft.

Existing state law prohibits children under 12 from operating a boat or personal watercraft. With SB 1495, Oklahoma joins 44 other states that require boating safety education for teens and children.

Source: Oklahoma Governor’s Office