[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 22 (Monday, May 31, 2004)]
[Pages 941-942]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7790--National Safe Boating Week, 2004

 May 21, 2004

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Our Nation's many waterways give millions of boating enthusiasts the 
opportunity to

[[Page 942]]

enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends. With nearly 
13 million recreational boats on our oceans, lakes, and rivers, boating 
is a popular pastime. However, far too many Americans are hurt or killed 
each year in boating accidents that are largely preventable.
    Each year, of the thousands of boating accidents that occur, many 
are caused by operators who are careless, reckless, or inexperienced. In 
most cases, boat operators had received no safety instruction, and many 
of those who died could have been saved if they had worn life jackets. 
During National Safe Boating week, we seek to raise awareness to improve 
safety and reduce accidents on our Nation's waters.
    Across the Nation, many groups are working to teach recreational 
boaters how they can make boating safer through the 2004 North American 
Safe Boating Campaign. These include the U.S. Coast Guard, the Coast 
Guard Auxiliary, the National Safe Boating Council, and the National 
Association of State Boating Law Administrators. These groups recommend 
that boaters get boat safety checks, ensure that boats are properly 
maintained, take safe boating classes, be aware of homeland security 
issues, always wear a life jacket, and never operate a boat under the 
influence of alcohol or drugs. By learning about boating safety and 
taking some simple precautions, recreational boaters can reduce the risk 
of accidents and ensure that they enjoy their time on the water 
responsibly.
    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 22 through May 28, 2004, 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. I 
also urge all boaters to learn more about safe boating practices, always 
wear life jackets, and take advantage of boating safety programs 
throughout the year.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first 
day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 25, 2004]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 26. 
This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.