[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 20 (Monday, May 22, 2000)]
[Page 1148]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7309--National Safe Boating Week, 2000

May 18, 2000

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Living in a country bordered by oceans and blessed with abundant 
lakes and rivers, Americans have made recreational boating one of our 
Nation's most popular pastimes. Each year, more than 74 million 
Americans take to the water with family and friends to relax and enjoy 
the beauty of the natural world.
    But each year, for too many Americans, boating ends in tragedy. Most 
boating-related injuries and deaths are the result of human error and 
poor judgment, caused, for example, by excessive speed, failure to 
follow safe navigation rules, and drinking or taking drugs while 
operating watercraft. These injuries could easily be prevented by using 
common sense and making safety the first priority.
    Boating accidents can occur at any time--whether the water is smooth 
or turbulent and whether the boater is experienced or a novice. One of 
the best ways to make a recreational boating experience safe and 
enjoyable is to ensure that everyone on board always wears a life 
jacket. To reinforce this lifesaving message, the National Safe Boating 
Campaign has once again selected the theme ``Boat Smart from the Start! 
Wear Your Life Jacket!'' for this year's observance. 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, are continuing to promote safety through education by 
emphasizing the importance of wearing life jackets and practicing 
boating and water safety.
    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 20 through May 26, 2000, 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 use safe boating practices 
throughout the year.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day 
of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of 
the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 22, 2000]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on May 
23.