Michigan Boating Industries Association Recognizes Boating Safety Improvements during National Safe Boating Week, May 21 - 27
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Nicki Polan, 734.261.0123, ext. 204
May 19, 2011, Livonia, MI - National Safe Boating Week, May 21 - 27, is a time to raise awareness to improve safety and reduce accidents on our Michigan waters. "Boating is a popular pastime in Michigan, and statistics show it is also very safe, as boating related accidents and fatalities remain flat or decrease annually," said John Ropp, MBIA president.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources' (MDNR) reports 28 boating related fatalities in 2010, more than 20 percent less than the 36 in 2009, and compared to 88 boating related fatalities in Michigan in 1967 with 385,124 registered boats on file, when one out of every 4,376 boaters had a fatal accident. In 2010, one out of every 32,648 boaters had a fatal accident.
As of January 2011, the Secretary of State reports Michigan has 914,156 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 on Michigan lakes and rivers, it is clear that boating is a popular pastime.
Across the Nation, and in Michigan, many groups are working to teach recreational boaters how they can make boating safer and more enjoyable. These include the U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, MDNRE's Law Enforcement Division, National Safe Boating Council, National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, local Sheriff's Marine Divisions, many Michigan boat dealers and Boat U.S.
These groups recommend boaters get boat safety checks, ensure their 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.
"Recreational boaters can reduce the risk of accidents and enjoy boating with friends and family more with the knowledge and understanding of safe boating. It is important to brush up on safety skills and boating laws and regulations each spring before heading out on the water," said Ropp.
The MBIA is a state-wide trade association representing the recreational boating industry in Michigan. 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 in Detroit, the Spring Boating Expo at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, and the Boating & Outdoor Festival in Harrison Twp., Mich. For more information go to www.mbia.org.
Also see: Know Your Nets (Don't Get Trapped)
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