[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 105 (Thursday, June 2, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: X94-100602]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: June 2, 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.