[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