[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 20 (Monday, May 24, 1999)]
[Page 957]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7198--National Safe Boating Week, 1999

May 20, 1999

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    In America, a country bordered by oceans and blessed with numerous 
lakes and rivers, recreational boating enjoys a long and proud 
tradition. From generation to generation, families pass on their 
appreciation of the water and share the pleasures of nature's beauty and 
bounty. Annually, more than 74 million Americans take part in 
recreational boating activities with their families and friends.
    While boating is a wonderful form of recreation, it can also present 
many dangers. Human error and poor judgment contribute to most 
recreational boating accidents. Recent statistics indicate that 86 
percent of all boating accidents are attributable to operator-controlled 
factors, such as excessive speed, inattention, failure to follow 
required navigation rules and practices, and lack of knowledge about 
boats and the boating environment.
    Even with adequate training and preparation, boaters can still have 
accidents. That is why it is crucial for everyone using our waterways to 
wear a life jacket. Recent U.S. Coast Guard statistics indicate that 90 
percent of drowning victims were not wearing life preservers. Most of 
the victims were small boat users--many in remote areas. In such 
potentially dangerous circumstances, wearing a life jacket is essential. 
This message is so important that the National Safe Boating Campaign 
theme for the second year is ``Boat Smart from the Start! Wear Your Life 
Jacket!''
    Many recreational boating organizations, including the National Safe 
Boating Council and the National Association of State Boating Law 
Administrators, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard, other Federal agencies, 
and State and local governments continue to help save lives by reminding 
us of the importance of wearing life preservers and following safe 
navigation rules. However, each individual must take responsibility for 
his or her personal safety and for the well-being of family and friends. 
By taking appropriate precautions, we can all enjoy our Nation's 
waterways safely and securely.
    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 ending on the last Friday before Memorial Day as 
``National Safe Boating Week.''
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22 through 28, 1999, 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 habits 
not only during this week, but also throughout the year.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day 
of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-nine, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twenty-third.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:41 a.m., May 21, 1999]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 24.