[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 20 (Monday, May 19, 1997)]
[Pages 711-712]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Proclamation 7003--National Safe Boating Week, 1997

May 14, 1997

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    America's scenic waterways--the beautiful lakes, magnificent rivers, 
and immense oceans at our borders--are a national treasure. Some 76 
million Americans of all ages and abilities--more than one-fourth of our 
Nation's population--take to these vast resources every year to enjoy 
the beauty of the outdoors, each in his or her own way. But boaters too 
often forget that, besides being relaxing and fun, boating can be 
dangerous.
    The U.S. Coast Guard's most recent annual statistics reveal 851 
fatalities related to recreational boating, a 13 percent increase from 
the previous year. Tragically, 90 percent of those victims were not 
wearing a life jacket. Because falling overboard and capsizing are the 
two leading causes of all recreational boating fatalities, this safety 
device is essential to boating safety. Refraining from drinking alcohol 
is also essential to assure safe boating, as more than half of all 
boating accidents involve alcohol.
    Safe-boating education, which is available through a wide variety of 
sources--the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, State and 
local governments, and numerous private organizations--is another key to 
accident prevention. Ninety percent of all boating fatalities occur on 
boats whose operators had no formal boating safety instruction. By word 
and by example, we must inform and educate both current and future 
generations of boaters to become knowledgeable boat operators. Learn 
about safety equipment and the ``rules of the road.'' Then follow a few 
simple rules: wear a life jacket; never drink while boating; operate at 
safe speeds; and be alert for weather changes.
    By making safety the first priority and emphasizing the necessity 
for all boaters, especially children, to wear life jackets, we can help 
to put tragic boating accidents behind us and enjoy more fully the 
beauty and excitement of the open water.
    I commend the U.S. Coast Guard, Federal departments and agencies, 
States and local governments, and the many recreational boating 
organizations who are actively promoting saving lives on the water 
through the theme of this year's campaign: ``Life Jackets. They Float. 
You Don't.''
    In recognition of the importance of safe boating practices the year-
round, 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 seven-day period prior to the Memorial Day Weekend 
as ``National Safe Boating Week.''
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim May 17 through May 23, 1997, as 
National Safe Boating Week. I encourage the Governors of the 50 States, 
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and officials of other areas subject to 
the jurisdiction of the United States to join in observing this occasion 
and to urge all Americans to practice safe boating habits not only 
during this week but also throughout the year.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day 
of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-seven, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twenty-first.

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 16, 1997]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 19.

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