Proclamation 3397—National Safe Boating Week, 1961

Whereas increasing numbers of our citizens are participating in boating for health and relaxation; and

Whereas this increase in recreational boating has greatly increased the use of our waterways and has intensified the need for close adherence to accepted safe-boating practices to prevent needless loss of life and damage to property; and

Whereas continued cooperation among persons and organizations interested in boating is necessary to maintain our steady progress towards the ultimate goal of courteous and safe boating throughout the year; and

Whereas, in recognition of the importance of safe-boating practices, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved June 4, 1958 (72 Stat. 179), has requested the President to proclaim annually the week that includes July 4 as National Safe Boating Week:

Now, Therefore, I, John F. Kennedy, President of the United States, of America, do hereby designate the week beginning July 2, 1961, as National Safe Boating Week; and I urge all persons and organizations interested in recreational boating, and the boating industry, Government agencies, and other, groups, to observe National Safe Boating Week.

I also invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to join in this observance in an effort to make this year the safest in the history of recreational boating.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States of America to be affixed.

DONE at the City of Washington this fourth day of March in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and sixty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and eighty-fifth.

JOHN F. KENNEDY

By the President:

DEAN RUSK,

Secretary of State.