National Safe Boating Week, 2022

Vol. 87

Tuesday,

No. 100

May 24, 2022

Part IV

The President

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Proclamation 10399--National Safe Boating Week, 2022

Proclamation 10400--Armed Forces Day, 2022

Proclamation 10401--National Maritime Day, 2022

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 10399 of May 20, 2022

National Safe Boating Week, 2022

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Exploring America's magnificent lakes, rivers, ponds,
bays, and oceans has long been a favorite pastime for
recreational boaters and a memorable way to discover
our Nation's natural treasures. As we prepare for
warmer weather, and as more Americans take to the
water, National Safe Boating Week reminds us of the
importance of following responsible and safe boating
practices.

So many Americans enjoy recreational boating, and most
trips are safe. But many preventable accidents occur
each year that result in tragic deaths and injuries.
Observing boating safety precautions is essential for
all boaters, whether you are fishing, sailing,
kayaking, or motoring.

Safe boating practices start well before the hull
breaks the water's surface. Experts agree that taking a
State-offered boating safety course is one of the best
ways to minimize accidents. Most boating fatalities
involve boats whose operators--including paddlers in
rentals--did not have proper boating safety education.
I urge all Americans to use the free assistance of the
Coast Guard Auxiliary and America's Boating Club to
ensure that your vessels are safe and that operators
have the tools they need to operate them safely.

I also call upon Americans to follow basic boating
safety procedures and to always wear a life jacket to
protect yourself and your loved ones. In 2020, three-
quarters of boating deaths were drownings, and nearly 7
out of every 8 drowning victims were not wearing a life
jacket. In addition, avoid using alcohol or drugs when
operating a boat. Alcohol continues to be a significant
contributing factor in boating deaths, and its effects
are compounded by water movement, exposure to the
elements, and dynamic operating conditions. Finally,
wearing an engine cut-off switch link will stop the
boat's engine in the event the operator falls
overboard, protecting everyone from vessel and
propeller strikes. By adhering to safe boating
practices, Americans will be safer on the water while
enjoying the boating season.

This week, we also pay tribute to the United States
Coast Guard and the Federal, State, Tribal, and local
partners who help save lives and protect us from
accidents on the water. This season, let us recommit to
following basic boating safety procedures to prevent
boating fatalities, avoid property damage, and help
boaters stay safe as they enjoy the beauty of the open
water.

In recognition of the importance of safe boating
practices, the Congress, by joint resolution approved
on June 4, 1958 (36 U.S.C. 131), as amended, has
authorized and requested the President to proclaim
annually the 7-day period before Memorial Day weekend
as ``National Safe Boating Week.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of
the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 21
through May 27, 2022, 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 by taking advantage
of boating safety education opportunities.

I also encourage the Governors of the States and
Territories, and appropriate officials of all units of
government, to join me in encouraging boating safety in
every community.

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