[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 20 (Monday, May 19, 2003)]
[Pages 579-580]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7677--National Safe Boating Week, 2003

 May 9, 2003

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    As summer approaches, Americans are looking forward to enjoying our 
Nation's rivers, lakes, and oceans. National statistics show that 
recreational boating is safer today than ever before, with the number of 
boating fatalities declining even as the number of boats increases. 
However, lives continue to be lost needlessly, and we must remain 
committed to boating safety. During National Safe Boating Week, we are 
reminded that practicing simple steps can make recreational boating 
safer and more enjoyable.
    This year's theme, ``Boat Smart. Boat Safe. Wear It!'' highlights 
the importance and ease of wearing life jackets. Drowning remains the 
number one cause of recreational boating fatalities. According to the 
United States Coast Guard, nearly 80 percent of those who died in 
boating accidents in 2001 were not wearing life jackets. In many of 
these cases, life jackets were available on board, but were useless to 
the passengers in the boats because the speed and suddenness of the 
accident prevented them from having time to put on their life jackets. 
The chances of surviving a serious boating accident increase 
dramatically by wearing a life jacket. Modern life jackets are smaller, 
lighter, and more flexible, making them easier and more comfortable to 
wear.
    The National Safe Boating Council, the National Association of State 
Boating Law Administrators, and the U.S. Coast Guard are working with 
other campaign partners to encourage safe boating practices through the 
2003 North American Safe Boating Campaign. In addition to wearing life 
jackets, the campaign encourages boaters to enroll in a boating safety 
class, to ensure that boats are properly maintained and checked for 
safety, to follow regulations and guidelines relating to homeland 
security issues, and not to consume alcohol when operating a boat. More 
information about staying safe on the water is available by visiting the 
U.S. Coast Guard's Office of Boating Safety website at 
www.uscgboating.org. By improving our skills and increasing our 
knowledge of recreational boating safety, we can reduce the loss of 
life, the injuries, and the property damage that occur on our waterways.
    Safe boating also contributes to homeland security and frees the 
time of public safety officers to focus on enforcement issues. The same 
Coast Guard members, marine patrol, police, and fire officers who 
respond to recreational boating accidents are also responsible for 
protecting the security of our ports and waterways. By avoiding boating 
accidents, Americans can help these officials devote more time and 
effort to safeguarding our homeland.
    In recognition of the importance of safe boating practices, the 
Congress, by joint resolution approved June 4, 1958 (36 U.S.C.

[[Page 580]]

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 17 through May 23, 2003, 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, including the wearing of life jackets, and to take 
advantage of boating safety programs throughout the year.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of 
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 13, 
2003]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 14. 
This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.