National Safe Boating Week, 1999

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Part V

The President

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Proclamation 7198--National Safe Boating Week, 1999

Presidential Determination No. 99-23 of May 18, 1999

Presidential Determination No. 99-24 of May 18, 1999

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7198 of May 20, 1999

National Safe Boating Week, 1999

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In America, a country bordered by oceans and blessed
with numerous lakes and rivers, recreational boating
enjoys a long and proud tradition. From generation to
generation, families pass on their appreciation of the
water and share the pleasures of nature's beauty and
bounty. Annually, more than 74 million Americans take
part in recreational boating activities with their
families and friends.

While boating is a wonderful form of recreation, it can
also present many dangers. Human error and poor
judgment contribute to most recreational boating
accidents. Recent statistics indicate that 86 percent
of all boating accidents are attributable to operator-
controlled factors, such as excessive speed,
inattention, failure to follow required navigation
rules and practices, and lack of knowledge about boats
and the boating environment.

Even with adequate training and preparation, boaters
can still have accidents. That is why it is crucial for
everyone using our waterways to wear a life jacket.
Recent U.S. Coast Guard statistics indicate that 90
percent of drowning victims were not wearing life
preservers. Most of the victims were small boat users--
many in remote areas. In such potentially dangerous
circumstances, wearing a life jacket is essential. This
message is so important that the National Safe Boating
Campaign theme for the second year is ``Boat Smart from
the Start! Wear Your Life Jacket!''

Many recreational boating organizations, including the
National Safe Boating Council and the National
Association of State Boating Law Administrators, as
well as the U.S. Coast Guard, other Federal agencies,
and State and local governments continue to help save
lives by reminding us of the importance of wearing life
preservers and following safe navigation rules.
However, each individual must take responsibility for
his or her personal safety and for the well-being of
family and friends. By taking appropriate precautions,
we can all enjoy our Nation's waterways safely and
securely.

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 ending on the last Friday
before Memorial Day as ``National Safe Boating Week.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22
through 28, 1999, 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 habits not only
during this week, but also throughout the year.

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