News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Safety and Access for All: Our Lakes
By Monita Fontaine
Executive Director, Personal Watercraft Industry Association
February 2001

The future of North Carolina lakes and waterways is important to many of us. The recent discussions about the future of Lake Wheeler and Falls and Jordan lakes are proof of this. Safe and responsible use of our natural resources should be a priority - and it is for the personal watercraft industry. Yet some still turn a blind eye to the truth about personal watercraft and consider banning their use on public waters.

The truth is that the personal watercraft industry has gone to great lengths, investing in the last two years to make personal watercraft clean, quiet and safe. In fact, today's personal watercraft are 75% cleaner and as much as 70% quieter than 1998 models. Lake Tahoe Ð which has the strictest environmental requirements in the country Ð welcomes the use of at least ten models of personal watercraft because they are more environmentally friendly. In fact, personal watercraft actually are the ideal boat for North Carolina lakes because their propeller-less design has minimal environmental impact.

And it's a shame the voice of the personal watercraft owner was not by the Raleigh Town Council before they voted to ban personal watercraft on Lake Wheeler. Regardless of the misperceptions, the average PWC owner is not the wild teenager, bent on disturbing other outdoor enthusiasts. The majority of personal watercraft owners are families who have extensive boating experience and understand the importance of safety on the water.

And safety is a priority for the personal watercraft industry. By advocating minimum age requirements, mandatory boating education and shoreline sound reduction, the industry is dedicated to promoting safe and responsible use of personal watercraft. Twenty-six states have implemented PWIA's model. In fact, North Carolina has set the minimum age of personal watercraft operation at twelve years old and instituted mandatory education for all users. The result of these efforts is that the Coast Guard reported in 1998 that personal watercraft accidents have declined while other boating accidents are increasing.

Raleigh Mayor Paul Coble is right when he says that it's unfair to single out personal watercraft. We agree we can work together to preserve the natural beauty of our lakes and waterways. And we hope more public officials listen to the common sense of the Army Corps of Engineers and their arguments that recreation - including personal watercraft - are an appropriate use of our lakes. There truly is room enough for everyone on our lakes and waterways. We just have to give it a chance.