US Congress declares July01 'National Boating Day'

by IBI News on 30 Jun 2007 In what may be seen as a big step forward for leisure boating in the US, both houses of the Congress have designated July 1 as National Boating Day. In respective resolutions, the US House of Representatives and Senate commended the recreational boating industry and community for their responsible stewardship of the environment and marine resources.


'Boating is not just a coastal pastime; it's an American pastime,' said the resolution's sponsor Rep Ron Klein (D-Fla) in a June 25 speech to his colleagues on the floor of the US House of Representatives. 'Boating brings us closer to our natural treasures. I strongly believe that an appreciation for environmental stewardship comes about through interacting with nature.'

According to a statement from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the US Congress also chose to highlight the 'robust strength' of the recreational boating industry in the US economy.

'The contributions of the recreational boating community go far beyond my home state,' said Rep Debbie Wasserman Shultz (D-Fla). 'The boating population exceeds 73 million individuals utilising and enjoying an estimated 18 million recreational watercraft. In addition, the recreational boating industry provides more than $39 billion in sales and services to the US economy and provides nearly 380,000 manufacturing jobs.'

The US Congress approved the designation through two separate resolutions passed in the House of Representatives and the Senate, calling on the President to issue a national proclamation in observance of the day.