PERSONAL WATERCRAFT INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION STATEMENT ON NASBLA’S “OPERATION DRY WATER”

Washington, DC—The Personal Watercraft Industry Association applauds the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators for the success of Operation Dry Water, (June 26-June 28, 2009) a weekend-long event involving at least 49 states promoting boater safety by discouraging “boating under the influence,” or BUI.  The following statement is attributed to PWIA Executive Director Maureen Healey.

“Most boating accidents are avoidable when you consider operator-controlled factors are usually to blame, such as inattention, excessive speed or other reckless behavior.  Alcohol and operating a boat just don’t mix, yet tragically, alcohol is involved in 21 percent of boating fatalities.  Boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal, and through events like Operation Dry Water, more boaters will become aware.

“The mission of Operation Dry Water is closely related to the mission of PWIA, as both are committed to improving boater safety. An educated boater helps to make our nation’s waterways safer.”