News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 24, 2001

Stay Safe on the Water This Summer

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kristin Young or Amy Fox
202-775-1401

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA) is a strong advocate of safety and has led an aggressive campaign to inform and educate personal watercraft users about responsible use of their watercraft. PWIA supports the efforts of North American Safe Boating Week, May 19-25, and urges all personal watercraft users and boaters to place safety first while boating.

"Because safety comes first for the personal watercraft industry, we have taken extraordinary measures to raise awareness about the importance of wearing flotation devices, proper operation, courtesy and safety," Monita Fontaine, executive director of the PWIA. "The key to safety is education and strong enforcement of existing laws. PWIA and personal watercraft manufactures work hard to reduce conflict on our waterways so that everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience on the water," she added.

Personal watercraft accidents have been reduced by 17 percent since 1997. In addition, 99.7 percent of PWC in use in 1999 were accident-free. However, to remain safe and enjoy the water, personal watercraft users, as well as all boaters, should follow these simple rules:

• Receive proper education on how to use your watercraft
• Wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device at all times
• Know the right-of-way rules for the water and observe all boating laws
• Stay alert and aware of other boaters and swimmers
• Do not use alcohol before or during operation
• Operate at a safe speed and stay in sight of shore
• Know the waters where you will operate your watercraft

To keep our waterways safe, PWIA has developed the Personal Watercraft Safety Act to encourage state legislatures to set minimum operator age at 16, prohibit nighttime and reckless operation and require operators to wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets. More than 26 states have enacted laws based on the Model Safety Act. According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, accidents have decreased in every state that has implemented mandatory boating education.

PWIA, headquartered in Washington, DC, was formed in 1987 as an affiliate of the National Marine Manufacturers Association. It was created to bring together the manufacturers of personal watercraft to promote safe and responsible operation and work with federal, state and local government agencies that regulate recreational boating. For more information, please visit www.pwia.org.