Recently, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the Lake Havasu Marine Association (LHMA) met with elected officials from the Arizona State Legislature and the Lake Havasu City community to discuss various recreational boating priorities and highlight the impact recreational boating has on the local Lake Havasu City economy.
Lake Havasu City, Ariz., lies on the shores of Lake Havasu, a popular boating destination that draws in boaters from all around the state as well as California and Nevada. Boating events like the Desert Storm Poker Run, Lake Havasu Boat Show and various other happenings are held on the lake. Lake Havasu is known for its clear water, abundant fisheries, terrific boating and the vibrant-and-supportive recreational boating community.
This Lake Havasu event kicked off with a pontoon ride with Representative Leo Biasiucci (R-30), a Lake Havasu native who represents District 30 in the Arizona House of Representatives. The boat ride was made possible by Just 4 Fun Powersports President Mark Curry, an MRAA Member who has operated in Lake Havasu for more than 8 years and is a resolute supporter of MRAA Advocacy.
“The entire Just 4 Fun Powersports Team is passionate about the lake and the people that boat on it,” said Curry. “We see the frustrations that first time boat owners and veterans alike experience that is most often a result of lack of boating experience or lack of experience on a new boat they may have just purchased. We believe the importance of good boating training — whether it is during a delivery orientation or giving them an opportunity to take an online course — is on par with having quality service after the sale. It is a measurable importance.”
While touring the lake, the group highlighted several opportunities for Biasiucci such as needed recreational boating infrastructure repairs, issues with competing user groups and opportunities to increase state-funded education to strengthen boater safety. Our group also shared the magnitude of Arizona’s recreational boating industry, which contributes $2.2 billion to the state, has more than 125,000 registered boats and supports more than 7,000 jobs at 239 businesses.
“Aside from being the lifeblood of our community, this lake represents the heritage of many of our founding families and lifetimes of memories for many others,” said Rick Riegler, Executive Director, LHMA. “We’ll do everything we can to preserve the beauty and vibrance of Lake Havasu for the enjoyment of generations to come.”
After touring the lake, we attended a small reception at the London Bridge Resort where Cal Sheehy, the Lake Havasu City Mayor, Lake Havasu City Council members, Mohave County Sheriff Department officers and local dealers gathered to discuss recreational boating issues on Lake Havasu as well as collaborative opportunities and improvements. Because Lake Havasu is one of the busiest lakes in Arizona, boater education was also a major focal point.
“It was a wonderful experience being in Lake Havasu City, seeing all the boating opportunities the city has to offer and talking to locals and government representation about how impactful boating is for the area,” said Rachel Fischer, Western Policy and Engagement Manager, NMMA. “We want to continue protecting boating access while advancing boating safety and education across Arizona. Getting the opportunity to talk about these topics helps us localize issues as the state legislature moves towards the 2024 session.”
Our get-together at the lake reinforced the ongoing need for cooperation between businesses, law enforcement, user groups and state and local government to ensure Lake Havasu remains a top boating destination in the West. These connections help pave the way for a successful 2024 legislative session in Phoenix, where the recreational boating industries and its allies will again be advocating for infrastructure funding to fix boat ramps and improve recreational access in the state. We can then continue conversations about boater education with legislators to create safe experiences for everyone on Arizona’s lakes and rivers.
Boating advocacy and events like this are integral to highlighting the importance of boating and our industry to local elected officials and others within the community. Making the effort to build these relationships is priceless, as you never know when you might need them. If you are interested in hosting an event like this, or engaging in MRAA advocacy email me at chad@mraa.com, or Mike Sayre (sayre@mraa.com), MRAA Government Relations Director.