    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    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

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    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 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.
    GEORGE W. BUSH