National Safe Boating Week, 1997

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Title 3--
The President

Prolamation 7003 of May 14, 1997

National Safe Boating Week, 1997

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

America's scenic waterways--the beautiful lakes,
magnificent rivers, and immense oceans at our borders--
are a national treasure. Some 76 million Americans of
all ages and abilities--more than one-fourth of our
Nation's population--take to these vast resources every
year to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, each in his
or her own way. But boaters too often forget that,
besides being relaxing and fun, boating can be
dangerous.

The U.S. Coast Guard's most recent annual statistics
reveal 851 fatalities related to recreational boating,
a 13 percent increase from the previous year.
Tragically, 90 percent of those victims were not
wearing a life jacket. Because falling overboard and
capsizing are the two leading causes of all
recreational boating fatalities, this safety device is
essential to boating safety. Refraining from drinking
alcohol is also essential to assure safe boating, as
more than half of all boating accidents involve
alcohol.

Safe-boating education, which is available through a
wide variety of sources--the U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, State and local
governments, and numerous private organizations--is
another key to accident prevention. Ninety percent of
all boating fatalities occur on boats whose operators
had no formal boating safety instruction. By word and
by example, we must inform and educate both current and
future generations of boaters to become knowledgeable
boat operators. Learn about safety equipment and the
``rules of the road.'' Then follow a few simple rules:
wear a life jacket; never drink while boating; operate
at safe speeds; and be alert for weather changes.

By making safety the first priority and emphasizing the
necessity for all boaters, especially children, to wear
life jackets, we can help to put tragic boating
accidents behind us and enjoy more fully the beauty and
excitement of the open water.

I commend the U.S. Coast Guard, Federal departments and
agencies, States and local governments, and the many
recreational boating organizations who are actively
promoting saving lives on the water through the theme
of this year's campaign: ``Life Jackets. They Float.
You Don't.''

In recognition of the importance of safe boating
practices the year-round, the Congress, by joint
resolution approved June 4, 1958 (36 U.S.C. 161), as
amended, has authorized and requested the President to
proclaim annually the seven-day period prior to the
Memorial Day Weekend as ``National Safe Boating Week.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 17
through May 23, 1997, as National Safe Boating Week. I
encourage the Governors of the 50 States, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and officials of other
areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States
to join in observing this occasion and to urge all
Americans to practice safe boating habits not only
during this week but also throughout the year.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fourteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen
hundred and ninety-seven, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-first.