[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 95 (Wednesday, May 17, 2006)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 28747-28748]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-4665]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 17, 2006 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 28747]]


                Proclamation 8017 of May 12, 2006

                
National Safe Boating Week, 2006

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                By providing an opportunity to experience our Nation's 
                scenic waterways, recreational boating is one of our 
                country's most popular activities. During National Safe 
                Boating Week, we underscore the importance of taking 
                safety precautions before going out on the water and 
                encourage all Americans to make responsible decisions 
                while boating.

                This year marks the 35th anniversary of the enactment 
                of the Federal Boat Safety Act, which has helped reduce 
                the number of recreational boating deaths in our 
                country. Yet despite significant progress, recreational 
                boating accidents still occur and, tragically, the 
                majority of them are preventable. Operator inattention 
                and inexperience, careless and reckless navigation, and 
                excessive speed are the leading contributing factors of 
                all reported accidents. An estimated 70 percent of 
                reported boating fatalities in 2004 occurred on boats 
                where the operator had not received safety instruction, 
                and of those victims who drowned, nearly 90 percent 
                were not wearing life jackets.

                America's boat owners and operators play a large role 
                in helping ensure passenger safety. The United States 
                Coast Guard initiative ``You're in Command'' serves to 
                educate boaters about how to enjoy our Nation's waters 
                safely and responsibly. For more information about 
                being safe while on the water, boaters can visit 
                uscgboating.org and safeboatingcampaign.com. By taking 
                simple precautions such as wearing a life jacket, 
                taking a boating safety course, getting a Vessel Safety 
                Check, and never boating under the influence of alcohol 
                or drugs, we can continue to save lives and reduce the 
                number of accidents and injuries that occur each year.

                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 20 
                through May 26, 2006, 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 week. I also urge all 
                Americans to learn more about safe boating practices 
                and always engage in proper and responsible conduct 
                while on the water.

[[Page 28748]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 06-4665
Filed 5-16-06; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P