WHEREAS, Recreational boating is a beloved activity enjoyed by thousands of people in the State of Washington; and
     WHEREAS, The Recreational Boating Association of Washington was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in the State of Washington in 1956; and
     WHEREAS, The Recreational Boating Association of Washington has completed 50 years of volunteer service on behalf of the boaters of the State of Washington; and
     WHEREAS, The Association purchased Sucia Island from a private company in the mid 1950s and donated it to Washington State Parks to create Sucia Island Marine Park, one of the gems of the San Juan Islands and the state park system; and
     WHEREAS, The Association has supported state marine parks for 50 years with its volunteer programs, infrastructure projects, and consultation; and
     WHEREAS, The Association has worked for 50 years representing the interests of the boaters to the State Legislature on matters pertaining to boating; and
     WHEREAS, The Association serves to disseminate boating information, including boating safety, from both the state and federal government to the boaters of Washington; and
     WHEREAS, The Association serves on the Washington State Boating Safety Council; and
     WHEREAS, The Association pioneered and helped pass the Washington boater safety education law requiring set minimum standards for boating safety accomplishment, course instruction, examination, and accreditation that are consistent with national standards; and
     WHEREAS, Successful implementation of boater safety education will make the waters of Washington more enjoyable for boaters, swimmers, and fishermen; and
     WHEREAS, Over these past 50 years, the Association has relayed its support to the Legislature for other successful boating safety legislation such as the child life jacket requirements and the ban on teak surfing, a carbon monoxide hazard;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize the Recreational Boating Association of Washington for its half a century of service to the boaters of Washington and the many Association volunteers who have given thousands of hours of their time to further the cause of recreational boating on the waters we all love; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Recreational Boating Association of Washington.