National Safe Boating Week, 2016

Proclamation 9451 of May 20, 2016

National Safe Boating Week, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Each year, as summer approaches and warmer weather
draws crowds to our Nation's beaches, lakes, and
rivers, we set aside a week to recognize the importance
of taking boating safety precautions before taking to
the water. Throughout National Safe Boating Week, we
recognize the risks associated with one of our
country's favorite pastimes and encourage everyone to
apply safe boating practices.

Safe boating practices should be observed prior to
leaving land--no matter the length of the trip, the
type of boat, or the size of the body of water. Boaters
can reduce risks and enhance their safety by enrolling
in a boating safety course. Vessels should be
thoroughly examined, float plans should be prepared,
and current laws and regulations should be known prior
to embarking on a journey on the water. I encourage
everyone to visit www.USCGBoating.org to find
resources, learn more about responsible boating, or
apply for a free vessel safety check. When boat
operators and their passengers exercise caution when
boating--including by wearing life jackets at all times
and avoiding consumption of drugs and alcohol--
accidents can be avoided, lives can be saved, and
everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience.

This week, we also recognize the men and women of the
United States Coast Guard who dedicate themselves to
protecting our Nation's waterways and assisting those
at sea. As we continue to take advantage of our
country's beautiful bodies of water, let us recommit to
ensuring water safety and exercising appropriate
boating procedures.

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, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 21
through May 27, 2016, as National Safe Boating Week. I
encourage all Americans who participate in boating
activities to observe this occasion by learning more
about safe boating practices and taking advantage of
boating education.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twentieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and fortieth.