[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 100 (Wednesday, May 24, 2023)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 33523-33524]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-11194]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 24, 2023 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 33523]]

                Proclamation 10582 of May 19, 2023

                
National Safe Boating Week, 2023

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Every year, nearly 100 million Americans go boating in 
                our Nation's lakes, rivers, bays, and oceans--a number 
                that surged during the pandemic, as more people sought 
                peace outdoors. With summer now approaching, countless 
                families are again drawn to the promise and possibility 
                of time on the water. During National Safe Boating 
                Week, we remind one another to be safe and responsible 
                and to do all we can to prevent boating accidents and 
                prepare for emergencies.

                Whether fishing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, jet 
                skiing, or motor boating, safe boating starts with 
                planning ahead. More than 10 percent of American 
                households now own some kind of boat, and they should 
                each make sure their vessel meets Federal safety 
                standards. The civilian Coast Guard Auxiliary can send 
                volunteers to examine boats for free and tell their 
                owners how to improve safety. Free boating safety 
                courses are available in all 50 States, and the Coast 
                Guard Auxiliary and groups like America's Boating Club 
                train people online and in-person in boat handling, 
                marine navigation, engine maintenance, weather 
                prediction, and more.

                Simple things can be life-saving: life jackets, weather 
                forecasts, maps--especially in unfamiliar areas--and 
                emergency communications tools. Boating sober, without 
                alcohol or drugs, is so important. And every boat 
                operator should always wear their engine-cut-off switch 
                lanyard in order to automatically stop the boat if they 
                are thrown into the water.

                Operating a boat is a serious thing, like driving a 
                car. It demands attention and caution, even as it gives 
                boaters a profound feeling of freedom and peace. This 
                week, we thank the courageous members of the United 
                States Coast Guard--along with the Federal, State, 
                Tribal, and local partners--who sacrifice so much to 
                protect boaters and help rescue those in need at a 
                moment's notice. We should honor their work by each 
                doing our own part to keep life on the water safe.

                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 20 
                through May 26, 2023, 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.

[[Page 33524]]

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

[FR Doc. 2023-11194
Filed 5-23-23; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3395-F3-P