Recreational boaters know that marinas are family-friendly gateways to the water, and they also help support local economies. This year boating advocates have gotten together to spread that message and help grow the boating and fishing lifestyle at a special one-day event "Boat. Fish. Live. At National Marina Day" slated for Saturday, June 12. The nation's largest boat owners group, BoatUS is urging all boaters, sailors, and anglers to participate by attending one of the special events held at 10 select marinas across the country,or by offering free boat rides on their home waters to encourage others to try recreational boating.
A sampling of activities scheduled at these events include: boating and fishing demos, test drives, fireboat and boating safety demonstrations, kid's activities, BBQ's, giveaways, and visits by BoatUS tow boats. Some marinas will also offer fireworks, regattas, kite festivals, wooden boat building, water toys, speedboat races, live music, contests and more. All 10 locations offer items donated by BoatUS for raffle drawing prizes.
"The day is part of National Fishing and Boating Week, which celebrates the boating lifestyle," said Mike Pellerin, vice president of development for Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS). "Boaters can help ensure the future of recreational boating and fishing by growing participation and by demonstrating how important marinas are to their families. This is the day we encourage every boater to share the experience," he added.
Five of the 10 marinas hosting events for "Boat. Fish. Live." are part of the BoatUS Cooperating Marina program that offers discounts on fuel, repairs and transient slips to BoatUS members. These five participating BoatUS Cooperating Marinas include:
FL: Bill Bird Marina at Haulover Park (National Marina Day "Marina of the Year 2010")
MA: Marina Bay at Boston Harbor, North Quincy
MD: Anchorage Marina, Baltimore
SC: Grande Dunes Resort and Marina, Myrtle Beach
TX: Scott's Landing, Grapevine
Additional marinas holding "Boat. Fish. Live. At National Marina Day" events include:
CA: Brisbane Marina, Brisbane
GA: Aqualand Marina, Lake Lanier
MI: Colony Marine at Algonac Harbor Club, Algonac
NY: New Rochelle Municipal Marina, New Rochelle
NV: Callville Bay Resort and Marina, Lake Mead
Boaters are encouraged to contact these marinas directly for more information by going towww.takemefishing.org/boatfishlive . In addition to these 10 select marinas holding special events, there are other marinas hosting local events. A list of these marinas is located atwww.nationalmarinaday.org/about/participating-marinas .
"Boat. Fish. Live. At National Marina Day" is sponsored by the Association of Marina Industries, Marine Retailers Association of America, National Marine Manufacturers Association, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, as well as BoatUS, West Marine and many other partners.
