[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 25, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1095]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE COAST GUARD, COAST GUARD AUXILIARY AND NATIONAL SAFE 
BOATING COUNCIL FOR THEIR EFFORTS TO PROMOTE NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 23, 2005

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and support the 
efforts of the United States Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, 
and the National Safe Boating Council as they coordinate yet another 
successful National Safe Boating Week, May 21-27, 2005.
  In 2003, an estimated 78 million Americans enjoyed recreational 
boating on the approximately 13 million recreational vessels registered 
throughout the nation. Boating has truly become a treasured piece of 
American culture.
  Thanks to the efforts of many, boating is becoming safer as it grows 
more popular. Boating fatalities have been cut in half since the 1970's 
due to increased boater education, more widespread use of life vests, 
and safer boating equipment.
  Nonetheless, we have much work to do. In 2003, 703 Americans died in 
boating-related accidents. Sadly, half of these deaths could have been 
prevented had proper flotation devices been used.
  I have co-sponsored, along with Representative Jim Cooper and 
Representative Gene Taylor, House Resolution 243, which aims at 
increasing boating safety education and accident prevention and 
supports the goals of National Safe Boating Week. As Co-Founder and Co-
Chairman of the Congressional Boating Caucus, I certainly understand 
the importance of these issues on recreational boaters.
  Mr. Speaker, the upcoming Memorial Day holiday marks the unofficial 
start of the summer boating season in South Florida. As such, we must 
continue to support boating education and awareness so that our waters 
can be a fun and, above all, safe place for all Americans to enjoy.

                          ____________________