News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 28, 2001

Personal Watercraft Users Wait to Hear If They Will Be Cut Off From Massachusetts Waterways
Committee on Public Safety to Hear Testimony on Bills to Restrict Access

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kristin Young: 202-775-1401

BOSTON, MASS.—Fair access to Massachusetts's waterways is suffering another blow in the Massachusetts State Legislature. On Thursday, March 29, the Joint Committee on Public Safety will hear testimony on several bills, which are aimed ultimately at ending personal watercraft use (known by the trade names JET SKI, Sea Doo and Waverunner) on Massachusetts's lakes and severely restricting use in coastal areas.

Testifying at the hearing on Thursday, March 29, 2001, Monita Fontaine, executive director of the Personal Watercraft Industry Association, will argue for safe and fair access for the 7,000 registered Massachusetts personal watercraft users. "As communities around the Cape are considering bans and the National Park Service has prohibited personal watercraft at the Cape Cod National Seashore, these bills mark a disturbing trend that amounts to creeping elitism," said Ms. Fontaine. "These bills would effectively prevent thousands of people from enjoying the water on personal watercraft, while allowing people with enough money to buy bigger boats free access to the waterways," she added.

The "justifications" for these measures are based on outdated information and a misunderstanding of personal watercraft (see attached fact sheet). In fact, the industry has invested its resources to reduce emissions by 75% and noise by 70%. Studies show that personal watercraft are the ideal boat for shallow waters because they have no propeller and do not cause significant water turbulence.

Moreover, if opponents want to manage crowded waterways, targeting personal watercraft means they are going after only 5% of all registered motorboats. Will restricting personal watercraft use truly address overcrowding issue? It's doubtful.

Personal watercraft are already well regulated by existing laws (see attached fact sheet). Additionally, the personal watercraft industry supports strong education and enforcement of existing laws to ensure safe access to Massachusetts waterways.

The Joint Committee on Public Safety hearing is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. in Room 40 in the State House.
For more information contact Kristin Young at (202) 775-1401 or e-mail at Kristin.young@dittus.com.