National Safe Boating Week, 2002

Proclamation 7563 of May 17, 2002

National Safe Boating Week, 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 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.

(Presidential Sig.)B