[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 97 (Wednesday, May 20, 1998)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 27663-27664]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-13543]


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                         Presidential Documents 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 97 / Wednesday, May 20, 1998 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 27663]]

                Proclamation 7096 of May 14, 1998

                
National Safe Boating Week, 1998

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Recreational boating is one of our Nation's most 
                popular and most rewarding pastimes. Blessed with an 
                abundance of scenic rivers, lakes, streams, and coastal 
                waters, our country is a haven for people who love the 
                water. More than 78 million Americans take to the water 
                each year with family and friends to appreciate nature, 
                relax, and simply escape from the cares of the day. 
                However, while boating can be a wonderful recreational 
                activity, it can also be dangerous for the unprepared.

                Tragically, more than 700 Americans die each year in 
                boating-related accidents. In most cases, human error 
                and poor judgment are to blame. Drinking or taking 
                drugs while operating a boat, ignoring safe navigation 
                rules, and failing to wear a life preserver are all 
                examples of poor judgment that can lead to loss of 
                life. The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that last year 
                alone, 80 percent of boating-related fatalities could 
                have been prevented had life jackets been worn. So, the 
                theme of this year's Safe Boating Week, ``Boat Smart 
                from the Start! Wear Your Life Jacket,'' is truly a 
                matter of life and death. I encourage all Americans to 
                wear life preservers every time they are on the water--
                this simple precaution can save hundreds of lives each 
                year.

                The National Safe Boating Council, the U.S. Coast 
                Guard, other Federal agencies, State and local 
                governments, and many recreational boating 
                organizations actively promote boating safety and work 
                to save lives on the water. However, it is ultimately 
                up to each individual to take responsibility for his or 
                her own safety and for the safety of friends and 
                family. This year, during National Safe Boating Week, I 
                urge all Americans who use our Nation's waterways to 
                practice safe boating and to educate others about the 
                importance of wearing life jackets, abstaining from 
                drugs and alcohol, and following safe navigation rules. 
                Together we can save lives and ensure that boating 
                remains an enjoyable activity--for ourselves and for 
                our loved ones.

                In recognition of the importance of 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 seven-day period prior to Memorial Day as 
                ``National Safe Boating Week.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 16 
                through May 22, 1998, 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 join in observing this occasion and to urge all 
                Americans to practice safe boating not only during this 
                week, but also throughout the year.

[[Page 27664]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 98-13543
Filed 5-19-98; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P