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New boating restrictions on Portland’s Willamette River reduce complaints, create new problems
For the past two years, business has been moving in the wrong direction for Dan Lay, who manages the wake boat dealership Active Water Sports in the Portland metro area. “I’m seeing customers wanting to sell their boats,” he said. “No one’s champing at the bit to buy new boats. It’s definitely made doing business more difficult.” Wake boats are designed to create an endless 3-foot wave that wake surfers and wakeboarders can ride. They can make a river or a lake feel more like the ocean and set the stage for spectacular water sports. But a new set of rules designed to reduce wakes, congestion and property damage on…
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Boating Safety Has Improved Nationally Says Water Sports Foundation, Resulting in Fewer Incidents and Fatalities
U.S. Coast Guard reports boating safety figure improvements in 2021 despite historic growth in new boat ownership. WSF credits increased safety course enrollment. ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Coast Guard’s latest 2021 Recreational Boating Statistics Report revealed boating safety improved with a 15.4% drop in the fatality rate per 100,000 registered vessels since 2020 while incidents decreased by 15.7% to 4,439; total fatalities decreased by 14.2% to 658; and total injuries decreased by 17.2% to 2,641. (Photo Credit: The Water Sports Foundation) The Water Sports Foundation indicated boating safety has improved nationally, resulting in fewer incidents and fatalities. It credits increases in enrollment in boater safety courses.…
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10 Important Tips from the Water Sports Foundation to Keep Boaters Safe this Busy 2022 Boating Season
– Memorial Day is the Traditional Launch to Seasonal Boating Activity – ORLANDO, Fla., May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — With a 35% increase in new boat ownership and 415,000 new boaters taking to the waterways since 2020, boating participation will reach historic levels of participation this summer, says Water Sports Foundation Executive Director Jim Emmons. With the Memorial Day holiday traditionally serving as the kick-off to summer boating activity, Emmons says the Water Sports Foundation is taking a pro-active approach to promoting safe boating strategies prior to the busy season. Memorial Day is the traditional launch to seasonal boating activity in the United States each year. Boating participation will reach…
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Families for Boating creating community conversations around water access and wakesports activities
Families for Boating, a non-profit organization of community groups around the U.S dedicated to preserving access to waterways for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, is actively trying to assist boaters facing regulatory threats or concerns. Recreational boating and water sports have grown significantly in popularity across the nation, particularly over the pandemic, with more families than ever enjoying the benefits of fun, on-water activities. With this growth in activity on lakes, rivers and waterways has come heightened concerns among waterfront residential homeowners in impacted areas. In many locales, these concerns have catapulted into the creation of overly broad restrictions, coupled with attempts to ban ballasted boats outright. Families for Boating provides…
