[OSMB-News] News Release -Invite Friends Along for Labor Day Boating Fun

[Ashley MASSEY]

For Immediate Release	Date: Friday, August 22, 2008

Invite Friends Along for Labor Day Boating Fun

	Labor Day Weekend is one of the top three boating weekends of the year at many Oregon waterbodies, and the Oregon State Marine Board wants to encourage boaters to hit the waterways and invite friends or family along for the ride.  
	"There's been no shortage of water this season," says Ashley Massey, Public Affairs Specialist for the Marine Board. "Most lakes and rivers in the state are in great shape for every kind of boating activity." 
	 "Labor Day Weekend is also a great time to invite people out on the water, especially if they've never been in a boat before.  The water is warmer, and there's no shortage of things to see and do.  Not only will you create great memories, it's a great way to share costs." Massey adds. 
	Marine officers will be on the water to assist boaters and keep the waterways safe.  "The top violations so far this summer involve not having life jackets, a boater education card or current boat registration.  Other violations include reckless operation and alcohol," says Massey.  She suggests the following checklist to stay safe and fun this Labor Day weekend:
*	Each boat (including kayaks and canoes) must have a properly fitting life jacket for each person on board.  Life jackets need to be in good shape and readily accessible - not under a hatch or in its packaging.  All youth 12 and younger must wear a life jacket when in the boat.  Many people who have drowned would have survived if they were wearing a life jacket.  
*	Carry your boater education card.  This year boaters 70 and younger operating over 10 hp need to have a boater education card. Youth 12-15 who operate a powerboat 0-10 hp alone must carry a boater education card.  When operating a powerboat greater than 10 hp, youth must be supervised by a card-holding adult age 16 or older.  When operating a personal watercraft, the supervising adult must be 18 or older. Educated boaters are much less likely to be involved in accidents.
*	Slow down and keep a proper lookout.  Always obey the "5-mph, slow-no-wake" buoys or signs. Wakes can cause bank erosion and damage docks and other property.  Remember to slow down within 200 feet of a dock, launch ramp, marina, moorage, floating home or boathouse, pier or swim float.  Boaters also need to operate at slow-no-wake speeds within 200 feet of a shoreline on a lake, bay or reservoir, around swimmers, surfers, anglers or a diving flag.
*	Boating and Alcohol.  Officers are looking for intoxicated boat operators.  If arrested, a violator can be fined $6,250, lose boating privileges for a period of time, and may even serve jail time.  The Marine Board encourages boaters to leave the alcohol on shore. It's safer for everybody. 
To find a boat launch or learn great places to go, visit www.boatoregon.com for more information.
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Ashley A. Massey
Public Affairs Specialist
Oregon State Marine Board
503-378-2623
503-378-8587 ext. 82623
ashley.massey at state.or.us

Boating enlivens your senses!