[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 105 (Thursday, June 2, 1994)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 28459-28460]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-13573]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: June 2, 1994]


  
  


                        Presidential Documents 


Federal Register
Vol. 59, No. 105
Thursday, June 2, 1994

____________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President
                Proclamation 6695 of May 27, 1994

 

National Safe Boating Week, 1994

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The discovery and subsequent development of the United 
                States evolved through the exploration and utilization 
                of the abundant waterways of this great Nation. During 
                the territorial expansion, our founders could scarcely 
                have dreamed of the significant role our vast water 
                resources would ultimately play in commerce, 
                agriculture, industry, energy production, and boundless 
                recreational activities. This year it is anticipated 
                that more than 70 million Americans will enjoy on-the-
                water recreation throughout our country.

                While boating can be a wonderful source of pleasure, 
                improperly handled watercraft can be dangerous and 
                sometimes even deadly. Tragically, approximately 800 
                persons die each year in boating-related accidents in 
                our Nation alone. Because most of these accidents can 
                be prevented, the United States Coast Guard and other 
                Government agencies are working with volunteer 
                organizations around the country to educate the boating 
                public and to make safety the number one priority for 
                all who use the Nation's waterways.

                It is imperative that those enjoying the privilege of 
                aquatic recreational activities must accept the 
                responsibility of ensuring safety on the water. For 
                boaters, this means respecting the marine environment, 
                being well-informed, carrying, maintaining, and using 
                the proper equipment, and remaining sober. Only then 
                will boaters be prepared to prevent hazardous 
                situations or deal with them if they arise. When boat 
                operators and their passengers disregard their personal 
                responsibilities, the consequences can be serious and 
                direct. Statistics indicate that about 50 percent of 
                boating accidents are alcohol-related and that more 
                than 85 percent of the people who die while boating are 
                not wearing personal floatation devices.

                Accordingly, this year during National Safe Boating 
                Week, proclaimed annually at the start of the summer 
                boating season, recreational boaters are urged to heed 
                the call of responsibility--to ``Boat Smart, Boat Safe, 
                Boat Sober.''

                In recognition of the need to promote safe boating 
                practices, the Congress by joint resolution approved 
                June 4, 1958 (36 U.S.C. 161), as amended, has 
                authorized and requested the President to proclaim 
                annually the week commencing on the first Sunday in 
                June as ``National Safe Boating Week.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week 
                beginning June 5, 1994, as National Safe Boating Week. 
                I encourage the Governors of the 50 States and the 
                Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and officials of other 
                areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, 
                to provide for the observance of this week. I also urge 
                all Americans to become informed and to always practice 
                safe recreational boating.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord 
                nineteen hundred and ninety-four, and of the 
                Independence of the United States of America the two 
                hundred and eighteenth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)>

[FR Doc. 94-13573
Filed 5-31-94; 2:24 pm]
Billing code 3195-01-P