MANKATO,
Minn., July 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Blue
Earth County Sheriff's Office, Water Sports Industry Association
(WSIA), and National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) are
partnering to promote water safety at the Blue Earth County Fair in
Garden City, Minnesota. The event
will take place on Friday, July 26th
from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Blue
Earth County Sheriff's fair booth and features the supplying of
free life jackets to attendees.
The goal of the event is to raise awareness about the importance
of wearing life jackets while participating in water activities in
addition to following the core pillars of the WSIA's Wake
Responsibly program. These pillars include staying 200 ft away from
shore, other boats, and docks, minimizing repetitive passes, and
keeping music at a reasonable level.
By providing free life jackets to attendees, the organizations
hope to encourage safe boating practices and prevent drownings.
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more
about safe boating practices. Attendees are encouraged to arrive
early, as supplies of free life jackets are limited.
"As Minnesotans, we cherish time on our lakes and rivers. That's
why it's so important to remember to wear a life jacket - it's a
simple step in making water activities safe for everyone," said
Governor Tim Walz. "Following proper
water safety means we can enjoy our beautiful lakes while remaining
safe."
"We are thrilled to be partnering with the Water Sports Industry
Association and National Marine Manufacturers Association to
promote both water safety and Wake Responsibly through the
distribution of life jackets" said Blue Earth County Sheriff,
Jeff Wersal. "This collaboration is
essential to ensuring that every individual engaging in water
activities has the necessary knowledge and tools to safeguard their
well-being."
"The WSIA is steadfast in our commitment to ensuring all boaters
are following the core pillars of the Wake Responsibly program and
are equipped with the proper floatation devices, especially as they
engage in towed water sports. We are delighted to be working with
the Blue Earth County Sheriffs to advance this education in their
communities" said Lee Gatts, Vice
President of Government Affairs.
Jesse McArdell, Midwest Policy
and Engagement Manager with the National Marine Manufacturers
Association added, "NMMA is proud to partner with local law
enforcement to promote boating safety through our summer long life
jacket giveaway program. By working together, we aim to ensure that
everyone on the water has access to essential safety gear, making
boating a safer and more enjoyable experience for all."
For more information about the event, please contact
Megan Thielfoldt at
megan@wsia.net.
The Sheriff's Office of Blue Earth County is an integral part of
the County's system of justice. Their mission is to provide quality
services that promote and protect the safety, security and well
being of all the people in our community.
The Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) is the towed water
sports industry's leading advocate, working to strengthen, grow
boating and protect the interests of its member companies. The WSIA
develops best practices, maintains waterway access rights, educates
participants, and promotes safety on the water, including when
participating in towed watersports. WSIA represents over 440 member
companies, including boat, marine engine, and accessory
manufacturers, as well as marine dealers.
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the
trade association for the North American recreational boating
industry, representing 1,300 marine businesses, including
recreational boat, marine engine, and accessory manufacturers. The
recreational boating industry has a $230
billion impact on the nation's economy, supporting over
810,000 American jobs across 36,000 U.S. based marine
businesses.
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SOURCE Water Sports Industry Association