[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 102 (Friday, May 28, 2021)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 28687-28688]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-11457]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 86 , No. 102 / Friday, May 28, 2021 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 28687]]

                Proclamation 10215 of May 21, 2021

                
National Safe Boating Week, 2021

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Every year, millions of Americans take time to enjoy 
                our Nation's waterways--one of our great natural 
                treasures. As more Americans get vaccinated against 
                COVID-19, and as warmer weather draws families to our 
                Nation's lakes, rivers, and beaches, this week serves 
                as a critical reminder of the importance of staying 
                safe on the water. Each year during National Safe 
                Boating Week, the Coast Guard and an array of Federal, 
                State, and local partners help save lives and guard 
                against accidents by highlighting safe boating 
                practices.

                This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 
                Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971. The Act created a 
                partnership between the Federal Government and the 
                States to improve the safety of recreational boating. 
                It also established the National Recreational Boating 
                Safety Program and gave the Coast Guard the authority 
                to establish mandatory boat manufacturing and safety 
                standards. The Coast Guard estimates that these efforts 
                have saved nearly 100,000 lives over the last half 
                century.

                While most boating trips are enjoyable and safe, 
                tragedy still strikes with alarming frequency. Since 
                2000, there have been over 13,000 boating-related 
                deaths and over 64,000 boating-related injuries, many 
                of which could have been prevented if proper safety 
                precautions were taken. Whether you are fishing, 
                sailing, or out on the water with family or friends, it 
                is essential to follow safe boating practices for your 
                own protection and the protection of those around you.

                Safe boating begins with education and planning. Human 
                error contributes to the vast majority of boating 
                accidents, which can be minimized by taking an ``on-
                water'' boating safety course. Learning and improving 
                your boating skills help increase the odds of an 
                enjoyable and safe boating experience. Every American 
                can ensure that their boat is ready for the water by 
                obtaining a free vessel safety check offered through 
                the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

                I call upon all Americans to follow safe boating 
                practices. By following basic boating safety 
                procedures--wearing life jackets, carrying lifesaving 
                emergency distress and communications equipment, 
                judiciously using the engine cut-off switch, and 
                staying sober when boating--we can prevent the vast 
                majority of boating fatalities and help ensure boaters 
                on America's coastal, inland, and offshore waters stay 
                safe throughout the season.

                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 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 22 
                through May 28, 2021, as National Safe Boating Week. I 
                encourage all Americans who participate in boating 
                activities to observe this occasion by learning and 
                practicing safe boating behaviors. 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 through events 
                and activities.

[[Page 28688]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and forty-
                fifth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2021-11457
Filed 5-27-21; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F1-P