The Harbor Column:

Ahoy.

The lightning and thunder are gone and it’s back to our June gloom for the weekend with drizzly mornings and the clouds burning off in the afternoons. The seas will be flat with a 2-foot westerly swell, and even Point Conception will only build to 3 feet. If you are planning to head uphill then now is the time to go north around Conception.

This week Congress passed a resolution declaring July 1 as “National Boating Day.” Rep. Ron Klein (D-FL) and Henry Brown (R-SC) introduced House Resolution 410 with the help of Congressional Boating Caucus Chairs Candice Miller (R-MI.) and Gene Taylor (D-MS). The bill passed with 27 bipartisan co-sponsors, and now it goes before the Senate and if it’s approved in time, President Obama can sign it in a timely manner to proclaim the day before July 1.

In this unprecedented economy for the marine industry, National Boating Day symbolizes how recreational boating positively affects tens of millions of Americans annually, and how important the marine industry is to America. The observance of National Boating Day may be a boost to local businesses as boaters will be reminded to get back on the water and enjoy the adventure with your family and friends.

A survey by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation showed that fishing and boating are the best ways to spend quality family time together. Furthermore, 87% of Americans believe fishing and boating have a positive effect on family relationships, and 90% believe that fishing and boating help to reduce stress, not to mention improve your love life. Also, the survey showed that more than half of the population, 55%, had been fishing and boating in the last two years.

Now, that is a big percentage of the population for any activity, and most people living by Newport Harbor take for granted how important recreational boating is in our community, and the number of people who make their living either directly or indirectly from recreational fishing and boating in Newport Harbor.

Tip of the week is to send an e-mail or make a call to your senator to support National Boating Day on July 1.

Remember to tune in at 11 a.m. Saturdays to Capt. Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show. For stations or for an Internet feed go to www.BoathouseTV.com.

MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating columnist. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to mike@boathousetv.com or go to www.boathousetv.com .