National Safe Boating Week, 2004

Proclamation 7790 of May 21, 2004

National Safe Boating Week, 2004

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our Nation's many waterways give millions of boating
enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and
spend time with family and friends. With nearly 13
million recreational boats on our oceans, lakes, and
rivers, boating is a popular pastime. However, far too
many Americans are hurt or killed each year in boating
accidents that are largely preventable.

Each year, of the thousands of boating accidents that
occur, many are caused by operators who are careless,
reckless, or inexperienced. In most cases, boat
operators had received no safety instruction, and many
of those who died could have been saved if they had
worn life jackets. During National Safe Boating week,
we seek to raise awareness to improve safety and reduce
accidents on our Nation's waters.

Across the Nation, many groups are working to teach
recreational boaters how they can make boating safer
through the 2004 North American Safe Boating Campaign.
These include the U.S. Coast Guard, the Coast Guard
Auxiliary, the National Safe Boating Council, and the
National Association of State Boating Law
Administrators. These groups recommend that boaters get
boat safety checks, ensure that boats are properly
maintained, take safe boating classes, be aware of
homeland security issues, always wear a life jacket,
and never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol
or drugs. By learning about boating safety and taking
some simple precautions, recreational boaters can
reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that they enjoy
their time on the water responsibly.

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 22
through May 28, 2004, 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. I also urge all
boaters to learn more about safe boating practices,
always wear life jackets, and take advantage of boating
safety programs throughout the year.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B