National Safe Boating Week, 2024

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 10759 of May 17, 2024

National Safe Boating Week, 2024

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Boating is a beloved American pastime--each year,
nearly 100 million people find peace and freedom on our
Nation's lakes, rivers, bays, and oceans. This week, as
so many of us look forward to summer, we remind
Americans to be safe and responsible on the water.

Taking basic steps to protect yourself and your loved
ones can save lives. Everyone on board should wear a
life jacket at all times. Boat operators should always
check the weather forecast; bring maps and emergency
communication tools; and wear their engine-cut-off
switch lanyard, which will automatically stop the
vessel if they slip or are thrown overboard. They
should always boat sober. Operating a boat is like
driving a car and demands full attention.

Americans who own a boat should meanwhile make sure it
meets Federal safety standards. The civilian Coast
Guard Auxiliary can send volunteers to inspect your
boat and its safety equipment for free. Free courses on
boat safety are available in all 50 States by qualified
volunteer organizations, and many offer in-person and
online trainings on important topics like boat
handling, marine navigation, engine maintenance,
weather prediction, and more.

This week, we thank every member of the United States
Coast Guard and its Federal, State, Tribal, and local
partners, who not only work to prevent boating
accidents through education and safety boardings but
also protect and rescue distressed mariners. They have
helped save thousands of lives, and we can honor their
brave service by each doing our own part in staying
safe on the 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 18
through May 24, 2024, 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
seventeenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
eighth.