84R10725 RMA-D
By: Larson H.R. No. 937
R E S O L U T I O N
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.