[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 20 (Monday, May 18, 1998)]
[Pages 872-873]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7096--National Safe Boating Week, 1998

May 14, 1998

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Recreational boating is one of our Nation's most popular and most 
rewarding pastimes. Blessed with an abundance of scenic rivers, lakes, 
streams, and coastal waters, our country is a haven for people who love 
the water. More than 78 million Americans take to the water each year 
with family and friends to appreciate nature, relax, and simply escape 
from the cares of the day. However, while boating can be a wonderful 
recreational activity, it can also be dangerous for the unprepared.
    Tragically, more than 700 Americans die each year in boating-related 
accidents. In most cases, human error and poor judgment are to blame. 
Drinking or taking drugs while operating a boat, ignoring safe 
navigation rules, and failing to wear a life preserver are all examples 
of poor judgment that can lead to loss of life. The U.S. Coast Guard 
estimates that last year alone, 80 percent of boating-related fatalities 
could have been prevented had life jackets been worn. So, the theme of 
this year's Safe Boating Week, ``Boat Smart from the Start! Wear Your 
Life Jacket,'' is truly a matter of life and death. I encourage all 
Americans to wear life preservers every time they are on the water--this 
simply precaution can save hundreds of lives each year.
    The National Safe Boating Council, the U.S. Coast Guard, other 
Federal agencies, State and local governments, and many recreational 
boating organizations actively promote boating safety and work to save 
lives on the water. However, it is ultimately up to each individual to 
take responsibility for his or her own safety and for the safety of 
friends and family. This year, during National Safe Boating Week, I urge 
all Americans who use our Nation's waterways to practice safe boating 
and to educate others about the importance of wearing life jackets, 
abstaining from drugs and alcohol, and following safe navigation rules. 
Together we can save lives and ensure that boating remains an enjoyable 
activity--for ourselves and for our loved ones.
    In recognition of the importance of 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 seven-day period prior to Memorial Day as ``National Safe Boating 
Week.''
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim May 16 through May 22, 1998, 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 occasion and to urge all Americans to practice safe boating 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-eight, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twenty-second.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 19, 1998]

[[Page 873]]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on May 15, and it will be published in the Federal Register on 
May 20.