Water Safety Bill Clears First Legislative Hurdle

Friends and family of Kyle Williams, including parents Will and Sue, listen to testimony in support of SB 1495, the Kyle Williams Boating Safety Education Act.

Subcommittee hearing on SB 1495, the Kyle Williams Boating Safety Education Act; includes comments from Sen. Kenneth Corn, parents Sue and Will Williams, Trooper Mark Brown of the Lake Patrol and others.

Legislation to require children and teenagers to take a boating safety course before operating a jet ski or other water craft has cleared its first legislative hurdle. Senate Bill 1495, known as the Kyle Williams Boating Safety Education Act, won approval from the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary on Wednesday morning. The legislation is named for a 12-year-old Oklahoma boy who died as a result of a jet ski accident in August, 2004.

“This session we’re working hard in the Senate to make a safer Oklahoma. Currently, we are one of only eight states that does not require some kind of boating education for teens and children. But 80 percent of fatalities on the water occur when the water craft operator hasn’t had any boater education. That’s why we need SB 1495,” said Corn, D-Poteau.

Corn, who serves as chair of the Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary is principal author of the measure. His co-author is Sen. Todd Lamb, R-Edmond. The Williams are Lamb’s neighbors and constituents.

“As a parent, my heart goes out to the Williams. As a Senator, I am compelled to do everything possible to ensure this doesn’t happen to another Oklahoma family. We wouldn’t let a 12-year-old take off on a motor cycle or drive a car without any training—yet that’s exactly what we do with jet skis. It simply does not make sense,” Lamb said.

Under SB 1495, anyone born on or after January 1, 1991, would be required to take a boating safety course before operating a jet ski or boat. In addition, any boat operators at least 12 but under 16 would have to take the course and be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old.

At a press conference on Monday, Kyle’s parents spoke in favor of the legislation.

“This bill, Kyle’s bill, Senate Bill 1495, which we so desperately hope becomes law, will not bring Kyle back. But if it can prevent this from happening again to anyone else, then Kyle’s death will not be in vain,” said Sue Williams, Kyle’s mother.

The measure now moves to the full Senate Appropriations Committee for approval.

Contact info

Senator Corn's Office - (405) 521-5576