Recognizing the Recreational Boating Community and the Boating Industry of the United States

Floor Speech

RECOGNIZING THE RECREATIONAL BOATING COMMUNITY AND THE BOATING INDUSTRY OF THE UNITED STATES -- (House of Representatives - June 25, 2007)

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 505) recognizing the innumerable contributions of the recreational boating community and the boating industry to the continuing prosperity and affluence of the United States.

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Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 505, which recognizes the contributions made by recreational boating community to our national economy, and calls on the President to issue a proclamation to observe National Boating Day.

There are now more than 13 million recreational boats registered in the United States. These boats support some 380,000 jobs in the U.S. and generate an estimated $39 billion to the U.S. economy. They depend on 12,000 marinas across the waterways of the United States for essential services.

Impressive as they are, however, these numbers do not begin to reveal the many contributions that boating makes to recreational life in the United States.

Boating offers people the chance to catch up with family and friends while watching the world float by, to introduce their children to the natural environment, and to slow down and enjoy a relaxing weekend on a vacation away from home.

Perhaps not surprisingly, a survey conducted by the National Marine Manufacturers Association found that boating was among the top three stress-relieving activities among survey respondents.

Recreational boating is also far more accessible than many may assume. More than 90 percent of Americans live less than an hour's drive from a body of water on which recreational boating can be undertaken.

Because of boating's importance to our Nation, the United States already observes many days to honor different aspects of the boating industry. For example, on August 11, the United States will observe National Marina Day. During the week prior to Memorial Day, we observe National Safe Boating Week, intended to remind boaters of the need to practice safe boating habits and to use personal flotation devices while on the water.

The message of National Safe Boating Week bears repeating. In 2005, nearly 5,000 boating accidents resulted in just under 3,500 injuries and nearly 700 deaths, the vast majority of which were caused by accidental drowning that could have been prevented if those who fell in the water had been wearing life jackets.

H. Res. 505 now calls on the President to set aside a day specifically to honor recreational boating and the boating industry. I believe such recognition is due to the pastime of boating, and I commend the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Klein) for introducing this resolution and supporting a wonderful activity in our country.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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