Presidential Documents

31699 

Federal Register 

Vol. 87, No. 100 

Tuesday, May 24, 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. 


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31700 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 100 / Tuesday, May 24, 2022 / Presidential Documents 

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 fortysixth. 

[FR Doc. 2022–11321 

Filed 5–23–22; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3395–F2–P 


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