[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 21 (Monday, May 27, 2002)]
[Pages 849-850]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7563--National Safe Boating Week, 2002

 May 17, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    America is blessed with beautiful coastlines, lakes, and waters that 
offer ample opportunities for boating recreation. More than 70 million 
recreational boaters use our waters every year and boat registrations 
continue to increase. Although the number of recreational boats and 
boaters is growing, the incidence of boating deaths continues to drop, 
thanks to an increasing emphasis on safety.
    Despite this positive trend, much work remains to further reduce 
boating accidents and fatalities. National Safe Boating Week and the 
North American Safe Boating Campaign remind us that safety must always 
remain a top priority when boating on our Nation's waterways.
    To further reduce boating deaths, it is vital that both children and 
adults wear life jackets while boating. Nearly 70 percent of 
recreational boating deaths are by drowning, and nearly 90 percent of 
these victims were not wearing life jackets. Many of these fatalities 
could have been avoided had a Coast Guard-approved life jacket or 
personal flotation device been worn. Thanks to new technology and 
designs, life jackets are now less burdensome to wear.
    Another major cause of boating accidents is the operation of boats 
while drunk or otherwise impaired. Boating under the influence of 
alcohol or drugs is illegal in every State and is a violation of Federal 
law. According to the United States Coast Guard, the dangerous effects 
of alcohol on persons operating boats are even greater than for 
individuals operating land vehicles. The additional factors that can 
further impair judgment and coordination include motion, vibration, 
engine noise, wind, sun, and any spray. Boat operators with a blood 
alcohol concentration above .10 percent are ten times more likely to be 
killed in a boating accident than boat operators who have not been 
drinking. During National Safe Boating Week, we must underscore again 
that to operate a boat or any vehicle while under the influence is never 
safe.

    A less recognized boating hazard involves a silent killer: carbon 
monoxide. Dangerous or deadly fumes can accumulate in confined spaces on 
boats, near stern ladders, and under swimming platforms. Swimmers and 
water-skiers behind running boat engines face the greatest risk of 
exposure to exhaust fumes, which can build up to deadly levels. Boaters 
should be aware of the threats posed by carbon monoxide and take steps 
to avoid them. Individuals may learn more about carbon monoxide and 
other ways to stay safe while boating by visiting the U.S. Coast Guard's 
website at www.uscgboating.org.

    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 prior to Memorial Day weekend as ``National Safe 
Boating Week.''

     Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States 
of America, do hereby proclaim May 18 through May 24, 2002, as National 
Safe Boating Week. I encourage the Governors of the 50 States, the 
District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the officials 
of other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, to join 
in observing this occasion. I also urge boaters to learn about proper 
boating practices and to take advantage of programs offered by the U.S. 
Coast Guard Auxiliary. By taking sensible precautions on the

[[Page 850]]

water and learning more about potential dangers, boaters can enjoy 
boating recreation and help ensure the safety of others.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth 
day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 21, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 22. 
This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.