Michigan Boating Industries Association Encourages Boater Education During National...

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 reports Michigan 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 on Michigan 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 our Michigan 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 in Michigan 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 in Michigan 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 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, 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, many Michigan 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 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 and the Spring Boating Expo at the Rock
Financial Showplace in Novi, Michigan.

SOURCE Michigan Boating Industries Association

Van Snider, President, or Nicki Polan, Director of Communications,
+1-734-261-0123, Fax: +1-734-261-0880, both of the Michigan Boating Industries
Association