News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 21, 2001

Personal Watercraft Industry Association Warns Boaters of Dangerous Legislation
Would Ban Our Boats, Paving the Way for Lawsuit Explosion

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

MASSACHUSETS PERSONAL WATERCRAFT OWNER CONDEMNS NATIONAL PARK SERVICE BAN:
House Committee Holds Hearing on Recreational Access to Public Lands

Would Ban Our Boats,
Paving the Way for Lawsuit Explosion

California personal watercraft enthusiasts beware: On May 7th the Assembly Transportation Committee is holding a hearing on legislation that threatens to eliminate your right to ride any personal watercraft (PWC) on waters within the state. Without justification or objective scientific criteria, Assembly Bill 759 will, if enacted, allow for increased restrictions and possibly bans on PWC, while authorizing any citizen or anti-PWC group to commence a civil action against PWC users alleged to be in violation of resulting laws.

Personal watercraft owners in California bought their boats with the understanding it would be lawful to navigate on any waterway traditionally utilized for recreational boating. However, with the introduction of this legislation, boaters could lose access to waters that would then only be available to larger powerboats and waterfront property owners. All law-abiding, responsible boaters should enjoy access to California's beautiful waterways, not just a privileged few.

The inappropriate use of all boats is regulated and strongly enforced through existing state law. This bizarre legislation would deputize and reward radical anti-boating groups and encourage the harassment and persecution of personal watercraft operators throughout California! Local ordinances create a confusing patchwork of restrictions where boaters may unknowingly violate during their tour. PWC users alone would be forced to defend themselves against this vigilante system and face fines of up to $1,500, in addition to costly court fees, for cruising with their families and friends alongside all other types of motorized boating on the same waters. If enacted AB.759 would jam California's courtrooms with frivolous civil suits by litigation hungry anti-access groups. The management of California's waters should be left to well-trained, evenhanded law enforcement officials.

Safe and responsible use of our natural resources is a priority for the personal watercraft industry, and the industry has gone to great lengths to make personal watercraft clean, quiet and safe. In fact, today's personal watercraft are up to 75% cleaner and as much as 70% quieter than 1998 models. As a result of laws protecting against irresponsible behavior, the Coast Guard reported steady and significant declines in PWC accidents in the past several years across the country.

There is always a need for reasonable regulation and strict enforcement of boating on the state waterways. However, banning is not a management tool-it is merely a form of discrimination against one type of boat over another. Tolerance of all forms of boating, rather than prohibition, will lead to more enjoyable waters for all. The California State Assembly needs to hear from personal watercraft enthusiasts, asking them to oppose Assembly Bill 759. It is wrong to single out personal watercraft and restrict or ban their use throughout the state. There is room enough for all boaters on California's waters.

For more information, visit the PWIA web site at www.pwia.org or contact Kristin Young or Amy Fox at (202) 775-1401 or e-mail at Kristin.young@dittus.com.