News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 15, 2002

PWIA Reminds Boaters to Boat Smart

Contact:
Elinore Boeke, 202-721-1621
Brian Berry, 202-777-3524

Washington, DC—National Safe Boating Week is May 18-24, 2002 and this year, in addition to the reminder that recreational boaters and their passengers can greatly increase their chances of surviving accidents by wearing a life jacket while boating, post 9-11 realities have mandated a few new safety rules.

This summer, boaters can support our nation’s law enforcement personnel by steering clear of security zones. The Naval Vessel Protection Zone requires boaters to remain more than 100 yards from naval vessels, and to operate at minimum "no-wake" speed within 500 yards of a naval vessel. Any violation is a felony, punishable by up to six years in prison and/or as much as $250,000 in fines. The Coast Guard warns that "violators will be perceived as a threat, and will face a quick, determined and severe response."

"The Coast Guard is asking boaters to not only respect security zones, but to keep an eye out for suspicious activities," said Monita Fontaine, executive director of the Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA). Boaters who notice anything out of the ordinary, such as someone photographing the underside of a bridge or diagramming the area around a nuclear power plant, should report the activities to local law enforcement.

The U.S. Coast Guard also advises boaters to avoid commercial port operation areas, including military, cruise line or petroleum facilities. And any boat stopping or anchoring beneath a bridge or in the channel can expect to be boarded by law enforcement officers.

Another way to make our waterways safer is by ensuring that all boaters are aware of and obey boating safety regulations. Eighty-four percent of boating fatalities in the year 2000 occurred on boats operated by someone who has not taken a boating safety education course. PWIA has long advocated mandatory education for personal watercraft users, and states that have instituted mandatory education requirements have seen double digit drops in accident rates.

"As the popularity of recreational boating grows and our nation’s public waterways become increasingly congested, it is more vital than ever that boaters be trained in the ‘rules of the road,’" said Fontaine. "Taking the time to understand proper boat operation, navigational rules, and the importance of courtesy on the water is an investment in a more enjoyable boating experience for everyone. An ignorant boater is a dangerous boater."

Personal watercraft are affordable family boats that seat up to four people and have no exposed propellers. Makers of personal watercraft support reasonable regulations, strict enforcement of navigation and safety laws, and mandatory boating education.

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Personal Watercraft Industry Association: www.pwia.org

National Safe Boating Week: www.safeboatingcampaign.com

United States Coast Guard: www.uscgboating.org