[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 20 (Monday, May 22, 2006)]
[Page 924]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8017--National Safe Boating Week, 2006

 May 12, 2006

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    By providing an opportunity to experience our Nation's scenic 
waterways, recreational boating is one of our country's most popular 
activities. During National Safe Boating Week, we underscore the 
importance of taking safety precautions before going out on the water 
and encourage all Americans to make responsible decisions while boating.
    This year marks the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Federal 
Boat Safety Act, which has helped reduce the number of recreational 
boating deaths in our country. Yet despite significant progress, 
recreational boating accidents still occur and, tragically, the majority 
of them are preventable. Operator inattention and inexperience, careless 
and reckless navigation, and excessive speed are the leading 
contributing factors of all reported accidents. An estimated 70 percent 
of reported boating fatalities in 2004 occurred on boats where the 
operator had not received safety instruction, and of those victims who 
drowned, nearly 90 percent were not wearing life jackets.
    America's boat owners and operators play a large role in helping 
ensure passenger safety. The United States Coast Guard initiative 
``You're in Command'' serves to educate boaters about how to enjoy our 
Nation's waters safely and responsibly. For more information about being 
safe while on the water, boaters can visit uscgboating.org and 
safeboatingcampaign.com. By taking simple precautions such as wearing a 
life jacket, taking a boating safety course, getting a Vessel Safety 
Check, and never boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, we can 
continue to save lives and reduce the number of accidents and injuries 
that occur each year.
    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 20 through May 26, 2006, 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 week. I 
also urge all Americans to learn more about safe boating practices and 
always engage in proper and responsible conduct while on the water.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of 
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 16, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 17. 
This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.