July Highlights
 1. Americans with Disabilities Act Anniversary—July 26
Did you know that 18 percent of Americans have some kind of disability and that, after the age of 80, that number jumps to 72 percent? Check out USA.gov’s link to the U.S. Census Bureau to see more statistics about Americans with disabilities.
Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act—signed into law on July 26, 1990—those with disabilities are guaranteed equal opportunities in employment, public services and accommodations, and telecommunications. Visit DisabilityInfo.gov, the federal government’s one-stop web site for people with disabilities.
 2. Blogs from the U.S. Government
Were you wondering when—or if—the federal government would join the blogosphere? Little by little, blogs from federal agencies have begun to crop up.
Visit USA.gov’s new page, Blogs from the U.S. Government, to find a list of active and archived blogs from federal agencies. You can read about the National Endowment for the Arts’ Big Read initiative; follow the observations of a scientist from Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE); keep up with anti-drug efforts from the Office of National Drug Control Policy; and more.
USA.gov will continue to update this page as new federal blogs emerge.
 3. U.S. Passport Requirement Update
Due to record-breaking demand, passport applications are taking a long time to process. The U.S. State Department is making some temporary provisions to accommodate U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
Until September 30, 2007, citizens can re-enter the U.S. by air using a government-issued photo ID and official proof that they’ve submitted a passport application. Visit USA.gov’s link to the U.S. State Department for additional information on passport processing times.
 4. How Warm Are Coastal Waters?
Before you go to the beach this summer, check out the National Oceanographic Data Center’s Coastal Water Temperature Guide. Average water temperatures were calculated over long periods, ranging from several years to several decades.
Ocean conditions are less variable than air temperatures, but knowing the water temperature ahead of time may help you to select a location or plan your beach activities. Monthly averages are presented for the Gulf Coast and two-week averages are presented for the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, where there is more variation in water temperatures.
 5. Water Safety
Before you go swimming in the ocean, a lake, a pool, or elsewhere, be sure to review safety tips for different circumstances.
Some general water safety rules include:
- Learning to swim
- Knowing the potential hazards of your water environment
- Staying out of the water in bad weather
- Swimming with others—not alone
- Avoiding alcohol while swimming, diving, or boating
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