[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 22 (Monday, June 6, 1994)]
[Pages 1182-1183]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6695--National Safe Boating Week, 1994

May 27, 1994

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    The discovery and subsequent development of the United States 
evolved through the exploration and utilization of the abundant 
waterways of this great Nation. During

[[Page 1183]]

the territorial expansion, our founders could scarcely have dreamed of 
the significant role our vast water resources would ultimately play in 
commerce, agriculture, industry, energy production, and boundless 
recreational activities. This year it is anticipated that more than 70 
million Americans will enjoy on-the-water recreation throughout our 
country.
    While boating can be a wonderful source of pleasure, improperly 
handled watercraft can be dangerous and sometimes even deadly. 
Tragically, approximately 800 persons die each year in boating-related 
accidents in our Nation alone. Because most of these accidents can be 
prevented, the United States Coast Guard and other Government agencies 
are working with volunteer organizations around the country to educate 
the boating public and to make safety the number one priority for all 
who use the Nation's waterways.
    It is imperative that those enjoying the privilege of aquatic 
recreational activities must accept the responsibility of ensuring 
safety on the water. For boaters, this means respecting the marine 
environment, being well-informed, carrying, maintaining, and using the 
proper equipment, and remaining sober. Only then will boaters be 
prepared to prevent hazardous situations or deal with them if they 
arise. When boat operators and their passengers disregard their personal 
responsibilities, the consequences can be serious and direct. Statistics 
indicate that about 50 percent of boating accidents are alcohol-related 
and that more than 85 percent of the people who die while boating are 
not wearing personal flotation devices.
    Accordingly, this year during National Safe Boating Week, proclaimed 
annually at the start of the summer boating season, recreational boaters 
are urged to heed the call of responsibility--to ``Boat Smart, Boat 
Safe, Boat Sober.''
    In recognition of the need to promote safe boating practices, the 
Congress by joint resolution approved June 4, 1958 (36 U.S.C. 161), as 
amended, has authorized and requested the President to proclaim annually 
the week commencing on the first Sunday in June as ``National Safe 
Boating Week.''
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning June 5, 1994, 
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 provide for the 
observance of this week. I also urge all Americans to become informed 
and to always practice safe recreational boating.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh 
day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-four, 
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 
and eighteenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 2:24 p.m., May 31, 1994]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on June 2. 
This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.