Kyle Williams Bill Wins Senate Approval

Legislation aimed at saving the lives of Oklahoma children and teenagers has been approved by the full Senate. Senate Bill 1495, known as the Kyle Williams Boating Safety Education Act, is named for 12-year-old Kyle Williams of Edmond, who died as a result of a jet ski accident in August 2004.

Currently, Oklahoma law simply states that a person must be at least 12 years old to operate a jet ski, but there are no additional educational requirements. SB 1495 would require those between the ages of 12 and 16 to complete a boater safety education course and be accompanied by an adult.

Kyle’s mother, Sue Williams, watched from the Senate gallery as the measure named for her son was approved. She said Kyle was in her thoughts.

“I think of him all the time when I’m here. I carry him in my heart and I feel like he’s keeping me strong to continue and protect other kids from this happening,” Williams said. “I think he’s smiling down on all of us.”

The measure is authored by Sen. Kenneth Corn, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary, and Sen. Todd Lamb, who is a neighbor of the Williams family and represents them in the Senate.

“We are one of only eight states that does not require some kind of boating education for teens and children, even though 80 percent of fatalities on the water happen when the operator hasn’t had any boater education. This measure will require that education and help us create a safer Oklahoma,” said Corn, D-Poteau.

Boating education courses are currently available free of charge through the Department of Public Safety, so the bill would not require any additional appropriation of tax dollars.

The legislation also includes a fine of up to $100 for a first offense and up to $500 for a second offense for any parent or other supervising adult that allows a child between 12 and 16 to operate a jet ski without having completed the required boater safety course.

“I want to thank the Williams family and so many others who have come to the Capitol to share their painful stories in the hopes that we can prevent another tragedy,” said Lamb, R-Edmond. “If we can prevent another child’s death by simply requiring a boater education course, then we should do it.”

The measure now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.