[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 93 (Wednesday, May 14, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 26199-26200]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-12198]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 93 / Wednesday, May 14, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 26199]]


                Proclamation 7677 of May 9, 2003

                
National Safe Boating Week, 2003

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                As summer approaches, Americans are looking forward to 
                enjoying our Nation's rivers, lakes, and oceans. 
                National statistics show that recreational boating is 
                safer today than ever before, with the number of 
                boating fatalities declining even as the number of 
                boats increases. However, lives continue to be lost 
                needlessly, and we must remain committed to boating 
                safety. During National Safe Boating Week, we are 
                reminded that practicing simple steps can make 
                recreational boating safer and more enjoyable.

                This year's theme, ``Boat Smart. Boat Safe. Wear It!'' 
                highlights the importance and ease of wearing life 
                jackets. Drowning remains the number one cause of 
                recreational boating fatalities. According to the 
                United States Coast Guard, nearly 80 percent of those 
                who died in boating accidents in 2001 were not wearing 
                life jackets. In many of these cases, life jackets were 
                available on board, but were useless to the passengers 
                in the boats because the speed and suddenness of the 
                accident prevented them from having time to put on 
                their life jackets. The chances of surviving a serious 
                boating accident increase dramatically by wearing a 
                life jacket. Modern life jackets are smaller, lighter, 
                and more flexible, making them easier and more 
                comfortable to wear.

                 The National Safe Boating Council, the National 
                Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and 
                the U.S. Coast Guard are working with other campaign 
                partners to encourage safe boating practices through 
                the 2003 North American Safe Boating Campaign. In 
                addition to wearing life jackets, the campaign 
                encourages boaters to enroll in a boating safety class, 
                to ensure that boats are properly maintained and 
                checked for safety, to follow regulations and 
                guidelines relating to homeland security issues, and 
                not to consume alcohol when operating a boat. More 
                information about staying safe on the water is 
                available by visiting the U.S. Coast Guard's Office of 
                Boating Safety website at www.uscgboating.org. By 
                improving our skills and increasing our knowledge of 
                recreational boating safety, we can reduce the loss of 
                life, the injuries, and the property damage that occur 
                on our waterways.

                Safe boating also contributes to homeland security and 
                frees the time of public safety officers to focus on 
                enforcement issues. The same Coast Guard members, 
                marine patrol, police, and fire officers who respond to 
                recreational boating accidents are also responsible for 
                protecting the security of our ports and waterways. By 
                avoiding boating accidents, Americans can help these 
                officials devote more time and effort to safeguarding 
                our homeland.

                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.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 17 
                through May 23, 2003, 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

[[Page 26200]]

                this occasion. I also urge boaters to learn about 
                proper boating practices, including the wearing of life 
                jackets, and to take advantage of boating safety 
                programs throughout the year.

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-12198
Filed 5-13-03; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P