Published: May 13, 2008
Michigan Boating Industries Association Encourages Boater Education During National Safe Boating Week, May 17 - 23, 2008
LIVONIA, Mich., May 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As of April 4, 2008, the Secretary of State reportsMichigan has more than 939,121 registered boats on file and Michigan State University estimates there are another 200,000 - 300,000 legally unregistered boats in the state. With more than one million recreational boats onMichigan lakes and rivers, it is clear that boating is a popular pastime. Annual boating statistics show that recreational boating is a very safe activity, and the boating accidents and fatalities that are reported each year are largely preventable. National Safe Boating Week, May 17 - 23, 2008, is a time during which we seek to raise awareness to improve safety and reduce accidents on ourMichigan waters. "Michigan boaters need to be commended on an admirable safety record; however, accidents still happen each year and even one is too many," said Michigan Boating Industries Association President Van Snider. "We are proud of Michigan's safe boating record, but we must all continue to work to bring awareness as to the importance of safety and responsible behavior."
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources' (MDNR) reports show that through the years, boating accidents and fatalities inMichigan have declined steadily as boat registrations in this state have increased dramatically. There were 35 boating related fatalities in 2007 and according to the April, 2008, Secretary of State report, 939,121 registered boats on file (1 out of every 26,832 boaters) compared to 88 boating related fatalities inMichigan in 1967 with 385,124 registered boats on file (1 out of every 4,376 boaters). "Even though 2007 fatalities increased from 29 (2006) to 35 in 2007, the number of vessels involved in accidents decreased from 284 (2006) to 253 in 2007, and alcohol use in accidents dropped from 36 (2006) to 28 in 2007 - both positive trends," said Snider.
Across the Nation, and inMichigan, many groups are working to teach recreational boaters how they can make boating safer and more enjoyable. These include the U.S. Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadron, the MDNR's Law Enforcement Division, the National Safe Boating Council, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, local Sheriff's Marine Divisions, manyMichigan boat dealers and BoatUS. These groups recommend that boaters get boat safety checks, ensure that boats are properly maintained, take safe boating classes, be aware of homeland security issues, always wear a life jacket, and never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. "Education and action are important," said Snider. "By taking a boating safety course, wearing a personal floatation device (PFD) and acting responsibly, recreational boaters can reduce the risk of accidents and increase their level of enjoyment on the water."
The MBIA is a state-wide trade association representing the recreational boating industry inMichigan. The MBIA membership is comprised of businesses which manufacture, distribute, service and sell recreational marine products. This includes facilities such as boat dealerships, various types of marine retail stores, marinas, boat yards, boat and accessory manufacturers, distributors and service companies. The MBIA also produces the Detroit Boat Show at Cobo Center inDetroit and the Spring Boating Expo at the Rock Financial Showplace inNovi, Michigan.
SOURCE Michigan Boating Industries Association
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