Presidential Documents

28687 

Federal Register 

Vol. 86, No. 102 

Friday, May 28, 2021 

Title 3— 

The President 

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. 

28688 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 102 / Friday, May 28, 2021 / Presidential Documents 

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. 

[FR Doc. 2021–11457 

Filed 5–27–21; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3295–F1–P 


BIDEN.EPS</GPH>