[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 96 (Monday, May 19, 1997)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 27167-27168]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-13225]


      
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  Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 96 / Monday, May 19, 1997 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 27167]]

                Prolamation 7003 of May 14, 1997

                
National Safe Boating Week, 1997

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                America's scenic waterways--the beautiful lakes, 
                magnificent rivers, and immense oceans at our borders--
                are a national treasure. Some 76 million Americans of 
                all ages and abilities--more than one-fourth of our 
                Nation's population--take to these vast resources every 
                year to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, each in his 
                or her own way. But boaters too often forget that, 
                besides being relaxing and fun, boating can be 
                dangerous.

                The U.S. Coast Guard's most recent annual statistics 
                reveal 851 fatalities related to recreational boating, 
                a 13 percent increase from the previous year. 
                Tragically, 90 percent of those victims were not 
                wearing a life jacket. Because falling overboard and 
                capsizing are the two leading causes of all 
                recreational boating fatalities, this safety device is 
                essential to boating safety. Refraining from drinking 
                alcohol is also essential to assure safe boating, as 
                more than half of all boating accidents involve 
                alcohol.

                Safe-boating education, which is available through a 
                wide variety of sources--the U.S. Coast Guard 
                Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, State and local 
                governments, and numerous private organizations--is 
                another key to accident prevention. Ninety percent of 
                all boating fatalities occur on boats whose operators 
                had no formal boating safety instruction. By word and 
                by example, we must inform and educate both current and 
                future generations of boaters to become knowledgeable 
                boat operators. Learn about safety equipment and the 
                ``rules of the road.'' Then follow a few simple rules: 
                wear a life jacket; never drink while boating; operate 
                at safe speeds; and be alert for weather changes.

                By making safety the first priority and emphasizing the 
                necessity for all boaters, especially children, to wear 
                life jackets, we can help to put tragic boating 
                accidents behind us and enjoy more fully the beauty and 
                excitement of the open water.

                I commend the U.S. Coast Guard, Federal departments and 
                agencies, States and local governments, and the many 
                recreational boating organizations who are actively 
                promoting saving lives on the water through the theme 
                of this year's campaign: ``Life Jackets. They Float. 
                You Don't.''

                In recognition of the importance of safe boating 
                practices the year-round, 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 seven-day period prior to the 
                Memorial Day Weekend as ``National Safe Boating Week.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 17 
                through May 23, 1997, as National Safe Boating Week. I 
                encourage the Governors of the 50 States, the 
                Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and officials of other 
                areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States 
                to join in observing this occasion and to urge all 
                Americans to practice safe boating habits not only 
                during this week but also throughout the year.

[[Page 27168]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 97-13225
Filed 5-16-97; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P