[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 99 (Wednesday, May 22, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 35891-35892]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-13029]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 99 / Wednesday, May 22, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 35891]]

                Proclamation 7563 of May 17, 2002

                
National Safe Boating Week, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                America is blessed with beautiful coastlines, lakes, 
                and waters that offer ample opportunities for boating 
                recreation. More than 70 million recreational boaters 
                use our waters every year and boat registrations 
                continue to increase. Although the number of 
                recreational boats and boaters is growing, the 
                incidence of boating deaths continues to drop, thanks 
                to an increasing emphasis on safety.

                Despite this positive trend, much work remains to 
                further reduce boating accidents and fatalities. 
                National Safe Boating Week and the North American Safe 
                Boating Campaign remind us that safety must always 
                remain a top priority when boating on our Nation's 
                waterways.

                To further reduce boating deaths, it is vital that both 
                children and adults wear life jackets while boating. 
                Nearly 70 percent of recreational boating deaths are by 
                drowning, and nearly 90 percent of these victims were 
                not wearing life jackets. Many of these fatalities 
                could have been avoided had a Coast Guard-approved life 
                jacket or personal flotation device been worn. Thanks 
                to new technology and designs, life jackets are now 
                less burdensome to wear.

                Another major cause of boating accidents is the 
                operation of boats while drunk or otherwise impaired. 
                Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is 
                illegal in every State and is a violation of Federal 
                law. According to the United States Coast Guard, the 
                dangerous effects of alcohol on persons operating boats 
                are even greater than for individuals operating land 
                vehicles. The additional factors that can further 
                impair judgment and coordination include motion, 
                vibration, engine noise, wind, sun, and any spray. Boat 
                operators with a blood alcohol concentration above .10 
                percent are ten times more likely to be killed in a 
                boating accident than boat operators who have not been 
                drinking. During National Safe Boating Week, we must 
                underscore again that to operate a boat or any vehicle 
                while under the influence is never safe.

                A less recognized boating hazard involves a silent 
                killer: carbon monoxide. Dangerous or deadly fumes can 
                accumulate in confined spaces on boats, near stern 
                ladders, and under swimming platforms. Swimmers and 
                water-skiers behind running boat engines face the 
                greatest risk of exposure to exhaust fumes, which can 
                build up to deadly levels. Boaters should be aware of 
                the threats posed by carbon monoxide and take steps to 
                avoid them. Individuals may learn more about carbon 
                monoxide and other ways to stay safe while boating by 
                visiting the U.S. Coast Guard's website at 
                www.uscgboating.org.

                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 prior to Memorial Day weekend 
                as ``National Safe Boating Week.''

[[Page 35892]]

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 18 
                through May 24, 2002, as National Safe Boating Week. I 
                encourage the Governors of the 50 States, the District 
                of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the 
                officials of other areas subject to the jurisdiction of 
                the United States, to join in observing this occasion. 
                I also urge boaters to learn about proper boating 
                practices and to take advantage of programs offered by 
                the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. By taking sensible 
                precautions on the water and learning more about 
                potential dangers, boaters can enjoy boating recreation 
                and help ensure the safety of others.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                seventeenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand two, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-13029
Filed 5-21-01; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P