[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 99 (Monday, May 24, 1999)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 28083-28084]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-13324]



[[Page 28081]]

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Part V





The President





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Proclamation 7198--National Safe Boating Week, 1999



Presidential Determination No. 99-23 of May 18, 1999



Presidential Determination No. 99-24 of May 18, 1999
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  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 99 / Monday, May 24, 1999 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 28083]]

                Proclamation 7198 of May 20, 1999

                
National Safe Boating Week, 1999

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                In America, a country bordered by oceans and blessed 
                with numerous lakes and rivers, recreational boating 
                enjoys a long and proud tradition. From generation to 
                generation, families pass on their appreciation of the 
                water and share the pleasures of nature's beauty and 
                bounty. Annually, more than 74 million Americans take 
                part in recreational boating activities with their 
                families and friends.

                While boating is a wonderful form of recreation, it can 
                also present many dangers. Human error and poor 
                judgment contribute to most recreational boating 
                accidents. Recent statistics indicate that 86 percent 
                of all boating accidents are attributable to operator-
                controlled factors, such as excessive speed, 
                inattention, failure to follow required navigation 
                rules and practices, and lack of knowledge about boats 
                and the boating environment.

                Even with adequate training and preparation, boaters 
                can still have accidents. That is why it is crucial for 
                everyone using our waterways to wear a life jacket. 
                Recent U.S. Coast Guard statistics indicate that 90 
                percent of drowning victims were not wearing life 
                preservers. Most of the victims were small boat users--
                many in remote areas. In such potentially dangerous 
                circumstances, wearing a life jacket is essential. This 
                message is so important that the National Safe Boating 
                Campaign theme for the second year is ``Boat Smart from 
                the Start! Wear Your Life Jacket!''

                Many recreational boating organizations, including the 
                National Safe Boating Council and the National 
                Association of State Boating Law Administrators, as 
                well as the U.S. Coast Guard, other Federal agencies, 
                and State and local governments continue to help save 
                lives by reminding us of the importance of wearing life 
                preservers and following safe navigation rules. 
                However, each individual must take responsibility for 
                his or her personal safety and for the well-being of 
                family and friends. By taking appropriate precautions, 
                we can all enjoy our Nation's waterways safely and 
                securely.

                In recognition of the importance of safe boating 
                practices, the Congress, by joint resolution approved 
                June 4, 1958 (36 U.S.C. 131), as amended, has 
                authorized and requested the President to proclaim 
                annually the 7-day period ending on the last Friday 
                before Memorial Day as ``National Safe Boating Week.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22 
                through 28, 1999, 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 habits not only 
                during this week, but also throughout the year.

[[Page 28084]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 99-13324
Filed 5-21-99; 9:41 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P