For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
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.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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