For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 9, 2003
National Safe Boating Week, 2003
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
As summer approaches, Americans are looking forward to enjoying our
Nation's rivers, lakes, and oceans. National statistics show that
recreational boating is safer today than ever before, with the number
of boating fatalities declining even as the number of boats increases.
However, lives continue to be lost needlessly, and we must remain
committed to boating safety. During National Safe Boating Week, we are
reminded that practicing simple steps can make recreational boating
safer and more enjoyable.
This year's theme, "Boat Smart. Boat Safe. Wear It!" highlights the
importance and ease of wearing life jackets. Drowning remains the
number one cause of recreational boating fatalities. According to the
United States Coast Guard, nearly 80 percent of those who died in
boating accidents in 2001 were not wearing life jackets. In many of
these cases, life jackets were available on board, but were useless to
the passengers in the boats because the speed and suddenness of the
accident prevented them from having time to put on their life jackets.
The chances of surviving a serious boating accident increase
dramatically by wearing a life jacket. Modern life jackets are
smaller, lighter, and more flexible, making them easier and more
comfortable to wear.
The National Safe Boating Council, the National Association of
State Boating Law Administrators, and the U.S. Coast Guard are working
with other campaign partners to encourage safe boating practices
through the 2003 North American Safe Boating Campaign. In addition to
wearing life jackets, the campaign encourages boaters to enroll in a
boating safety class, to ensure that boats are properly maintained and
checked for safety, to follow regulations and guidelines relating to
homeland security issues, and not to consume alcohol when operating a
boat. More information about staying safe on the water is available by
visiting the U.S. Coast Guard's Office of Boating Safety website at
www.uscgboating.org. By improving our skills and increasing our
knowledge of recreational boating safety, we can reduce the loss of
life, the injuries, and the property damage that occur on our
waterways.
Safe boating also contributes to homeland security and frees the
time of public safety officers to focus on enforcement issues. The
same Coast Guard members, marine patrol, police, and fire officers who
respond to recreational boating accidents are also responsible for
protecting the security of our ports and waterways. By avoiding
boating accidents, Americans can help these officials devote more time
and effort to safeguarding our homeland.
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 17 through May 23, 2003, as National
Safe Boating Week. I encourage the Governors of the 50 States, the
District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the
officials of other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United
States, to join in observing this occasion. I also urge boaters to
learn about proper boating practices, including the wearing of life
jackets, and to take advantage of boating safety programs throughout
the year.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth
day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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