By: Hunter (Senate Sponsor - Hinojosa) H.C.R. No. 46
(In the Senate - Received from the House May 12, 2021;
May 12, 2021, read first time and referred to Committee on
Administration; May 21, 2021, reported favorably by the following
vote: Yeas 5, Nays 0; May 21, 2021, sent to printer.)
Click here to see the committee vote
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Every year, countless Texans flock to beaches to
enjoy the sunshine, sand, and waves, but it is important for
visitors to be aware of the potential dangers that can arise from
swimming in the ocean; and
WHEREAS, Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of
fast-moving water that flow outward to sea; these currents have an
average speed of around one to two feet per second, but some can be
as fast as eight feet per second; many swimmers are caught off guard
by the sensation of being pulled out to sea and react by attempting
to swim directly to shore, putting themselves at risk of exhaustion
and drowning; and
WHEREAS, Signs that a rip current may be present include a
break in the wave pattern, a visible channel of choppy, churning
water, a line of foam or debris moving seaward, and a difference in
water color; if a swimmer is caught in a rip current, he or she
should swim parallel to, rather than against the force of the
current, until it is weak enough that the swimmer can head to shore;
if he or she is unable to escape that way, it is best to float or
tread water and signal for help; it is imperative that swimmers
remain calm and try to conserve their energy; and
WHEREAS, Beach visitors should be mindful of the flag warning
system, which is used to signal hazardous conditions in the water,
such as strong currents, high bacteria levels, and jellyfish or
other marine life; visitors can also receive daily updates on the
beach conditions from the National Weather Service; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing and being prepared for rip currents and
other hazards can save lives, and it is important that Texans take
the time to educate themselves about these dangers to ensure that
they have a safe, healthy, and enjoyable beach vacation; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 87th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate April as Beach Safety and Rip Current Awareness
Month; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section
391.004(d), Government Code, this designation remain in effect
until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally
passed by the legislature.
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