[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 102 (Wednesday, May 26, 2004)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 29847-29848]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-12072]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 102 / Wednesday, May 26, 2004 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 29847]]


                Proclamation 7790 of May 21, 2004

                
National Safe Boating Week, 2004

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Our Nation's many waterways give millions of boating 
                enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and 
                spend time with family and friends. With nearly 13 
                million recreational boats on our oceans, lakes, and 
                rivers, boating is a popular pastime. However, far too 
                many Americans are hurt or killed each year in boating 
                accidents that are largely preventable.

                Each year, of the thousands of boating accidents that 
                occur, many are caused by operators who are careless, 
                reckless, or inexperienced. In most cases, boat 
                operators had received no safety instruction, and many 
                of those who died could have been saved if they had 
                worn life jackets. During National Safe Boating week, 
                we seek to raise awareness to improve safety and reduce 
                accidents on our Nation's waters.

                Across the Nation, many groups are working to teach 
                recreational boaters how they can make boating safer 
                through the 2004 North American Safe Boating Campaign. 
                These include the U.S. Coast Guard, the Coast Guard 
                Auxiliary, the National Safe Boating Council, and the 
                National Association of State Boating Law 
                Administrators. These groups recommend that boaters get 
                boat safety checks, ensure that boats are properly 
                maintained, take safe boating classes, be aware of 
                homeland security issues, always wear a life jacket, 
                and never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol 
                or drugs. By learning about boating safety and taking 
                some simple precautions, recreational boaters can 
                reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that they enjoy 
                their time on the water responsibly.

                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 22 
                through May 28, 2004, 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. I also urge all 
                boaters to learn more about safe boating practices, 
                always wear life jackets, and take advantage of boating 
                safety programs throughout the year.

[[Page 29848]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 04-12072
Filed 5-25-04; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P