National Safe Boating Week, 1998

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7096 of May 14, 1998

National Safe Boating Week, 1998

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Recreational boating is one of our Nation's most
popular and most rewarding pastimes. Blessed with an
abundance of scenic rivers, lakes, streams, and coastal
waters, our country is a haven for people who love the
water. More than 78 million Americans take to the water
each year with family and friends to appreciate nature,
relax, and simply escape from the cares of the day.
However, while boating can be a wonderful recreational
activity, it can also be dangerous for the unprepared.

Tragically, more than 700 Americans die each year in
boating-related accidents. In most cases, human error
and poor judgment are to blame. Drinking or taking
drugs while operating a boat, ignoring safe navigation
rules, and failing to wear a life preserver are all
examples of poor judgment that can lead to loss of
life. The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that last year
alone, 80 percent of boating-related fatalities could
have been prevented had life jackets been worn. So, the
theme of this year's Safe Boating Week, ``Boat Smart
from the Start! Wear Your Life Jacket,'' is truly a
matter of life and death. I encourage all Americans to
wear life preservers every time they are on the water--
this simple precaution can save hundreds of lives each
year.

The National Safe Boating Council, the U.S. Coast
Guard, other Federal agencies, State and local
governments, and many recreational boating
organizations actively promote boating safety and work
to save lives on the water. However, it is ultimately
up to each individual to take responsibility for his or
her own safety and for the safety of friends and
family. This year, during National Safe Boating Week, I
urge all Americans who use our Nation's waterways to
practice safe boating and to educate others about the
importance of wearing life jackets, abstaining from
drugs and alcohol, and following safe navigation rules.
Together we can save lives and ensure that boating
remains an enjoyable activity--for ourselves and for
our loved ones.

In recognition of the importance of safe boating
practices, 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 Memorial Day as
``National Safe Boating Week.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 16
through May 22, 1998, 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 and to urge all
Americans to practice safe boating 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-eight, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-second.