Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 117.djvu/3063

 117 STAT. 3044

PROCLAMATION 7678—MAY 15, 2003

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

Proclamation 7678 of May 15, 2003

National Hurricane Awareness Week, 2003 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Destructive winds, tornadoes, torrential rains, ocean water storm surges, and flooding make hurricanes one of nature’s most extreme hazards. As hurricane season approaches, Americans who live in hurricane-prone areas must prepare to help ensure their safety and minimize damage to their communities. Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and continues through November 30. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), an average of 10 tropical storms develop in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico, and 6 become hurricanes each year. In the past 2 years alone, 9 tropical storms and 1 hurricane hit our country, causing 54 deaths and more than $6 billion in damages. While we cannot stop these storms from occurring, we can take steps to limit our vulnerability. Being aware of the dangers of tropical

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