News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 27, 2001

Personal Watercraft Industry Association Advocates Safe And Responsible Use Of
Gulf Islands National Seashore

MEDIA CONTACT:
Amy Fox 202-775-1401
or
Allison Stanfill (202) 721-1621

PENSACOLA, FL—Last week the superintendent of Gulf Islands National Seashore decided to support the National Park Service ban of personal watercraft use in the Gulf Islands after April 2002. As the park superintendent continues to receive public comment on this important issue, the Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA) remains staunch advocates of sensible and responsible use of personal watercraft at Gulf Islands National Seashore.

"Personal watercraft owners, like all boaters, care deeply about the well-being of Gulf Islands National Seashore," said Monita Fontaine, executive director of PWIA. "We must ensure safe and sensible enjoyment of our waterways, which is why personal watercraft are ideal for enjoying the natural beauty of Gulf Islands. Because our boats have no propellers, they do not harm sensitive marine life or cause significant water turbulence. I hope the park superintendent remembers this as he considers this important issue," added Fontaine.

The personal watercraft industry and PWIA have long been environmental stewards and advocates for safe and responsible use of our nationÕs waterways. Consider the following:

A 1997 study in the Florida Keys found personal watercraft do not harm seagrass beds or create significant water turbulence.

Personal watercraft manufacturers have gone to great lengths to protect the environment, investing in in technological advances since 1998 that have resulted in cleaner, quieter and more efficient crafts. Today's PWCs have 75% fewer emissions and are up to 70% quieter than 1998 models.

The personal watercraft industry strongly advocates minimum age requirements, mandatory boating education and shoreline sound reduction legislation. In fact, the personal watercraft industry supported the 1996 boating education law in Florida which requires all renters born after 1980 pass an examine before riding. Since its passage, personal watercraft use has increased 39% while accidents decreased by 22%.

Dedicated to the well-being of our marine life and water safety, the personal watercraft industry has loaned more than 11,000 personal watercraft to federal, state and local agencies nationwide. These crafts have been used for saving lives, patrolling, removing debris and saving endangered wildlife. Personal watercraft donated by the industry have been used to patrol manatee habits to ensure boaters respect speed limits.

Personal watercraft are a family boat. A study by Bowe Marketing Research revealed the majority of personal watercraft owners are married with families (71%). The average owner is a middle-aged, highly educated, white-collar worker with extensive boating experience. And 73% of those people who own personal watercraft are the primary users.

For more information, please contact Amy Fox at (202) 775-1401 or Allison Stanfill at (202) 721-1621.