The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas endorsed legislation that will assure GPS units continue working, despite possible interference from 5G technology.
The Recognizing and Ensuring Taxpayer Access to Infrastructure Necessary for GPS and Satellite Communications Act of 2021 (RETAIN Act) was introduced by U.S. Senators Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.).
The bill requires Ligado Networks, a satellite communications company, to reimburse businesses and consumers who are forced to replace their GPS receivers due to interference caused by the company’s proposed use of its L-Band spectrum, which was approved by a Federal Communications Commission order in April 2020. While the FCC’s decision requires Ligado to upgrade or replace federal government devices, it does not require Ligado to accept responsibility for the millions of potentially affected private devices. Opponents are concerned that the creation of this new 5G network on a frequency similar to that of GPS could cause interference that would then render GPS units useless – threatening the safety of the many users of these systems from first responders to recreational boat owners.
“GPS technology remains an integral tool for recreational boaters, and any interference with this important navigation aid puts our boaters’ safety at risk,” says Chad Tokowicz, Government Relations Manager at the MRAA. “The RETAIN Act seeks to assure that the risk for interference is mitigated by putting the responsibility on the right party, and we are pleased that these Senators have taken the lead to champion the safety of our boaters today and into the future.”
The RETAIN Act acknowledges the harm to GPS and satellite communications end users, including consumers, the Federal Government, and businesses, caused by the Ligado order and ensures any associated cost is covered by Ligado. Furthermore, the RETAIN Act also sets forth various conditions that must be met by Ligado before they are able to deploy terrestrial operations in the bands adjacent to that of GPS.
The MRAA joins numerous organizations in the recreational boating, fishing and conservation space to support this legislation and the importance of keeping boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts safe.
“Reliable, accurate navigation systems are a fundamental component of safe boating,” Said David Kennedy, Government Relations Manager for BoatUS. “Boaters rely on the publicly funded GPS system and it is fitting that any harm caused by the Ligado network to their GPS systems be remedied by the company. Senator Inhofe’s RETAIN Act will ensure this happens.”
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard released its 2020 Recreational Boating Statistics Report Wednesday, revealing that there were 767 boating fatalities nationwide in 2020, a 25.1 percent increase from 2019.
From 2019 to 2020, the total number of accidents increased 26.3 percent (4,168 to 5,265), and the number of non-fatal injured victims increased 24.7 percent (2,559 to 3,191). There is evidence that boating activity increased significantly during the pandemic, from reports of increased boat sales, insurance policies taken out, insurance claims, and calls for towing assistance. With the increased exposure (i.e., more boating hours), there was greater risk of deaths, injuries, and accidents. The Coast Guard is analyzing variables associated with boating activity to normalize this accident data.
Alcohol continued to be the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents in 2020, accounting for over 100 deaths, or 18 percent of total fatalities.
The report also shows that in 2020:
The fatality rate was 6.5 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels, the highest in the program’s recent history. This rate represents a 25 percent increase from last year’s fatality rate of 5.2 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels.
Property damage totaled about $62.5 million.
Operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, excessive speed, and machinery failure ranked as the top five primary contributing factors in accidents.
Capt. Scott Johnson, chief of the Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety at Coast Guard Headquarters, reflected on a number of cases where boaters had recently purchased the vessel involved in the incident, but had not taken many of the proper safety precautions before getting underway.
Where the cause of death was known, 75 percent of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 86 percent were not wearing a life jacket.
“It’s crucial for boaters to wear a life jacket at all times because it very likely will save your life if you enter the water unexpectedly,” said Johnson. “The Coast Guard reminds boaters to make sure that life jackets are serviceable, properly sized, and correctly fastened.”
Where boating instruction was known, 77 percent of deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had not received boating safety instruction. The Coast Guard recommends that all boaters take a boating safety course that meets the National Boating Education Standards prior to getting out on the water.
The most common vessel types involved in reported accidents were open motorboats, personal watercraft, and cabin motorboats. Where vessel type was known, the vessel types with the highest percentage of deaths were open motorboats (50 percent), kayaks (15 percent), and pontoons (9 percent).
The report is based off on incidents that resulted in at least one of the following criteria: death, disappearance, injury that required medical treatment beyond first aid, damages to the vessel(s) or other property that equaled or exceeded $2,000, or a loss of vessel.
The Coast Guard reminds all boaters to boat responsibly on the water: wear a life jacket, take a boating safety course, attach the engine cut-off switch, get a free vessel safety check and boat sober.
“The Coast Guard thanks our boating safety partners,” said Johnson, “they continue to demonstrate a committed effort to reduce loss of life, injuries and property damage through education and enforcement.”
In-Person Workshop to Explore Lessons Learned from COVID-19 for Crisis Management and Emergency Planning; MRAA to participate
During the spring of 2020, the boating industry (marinas, dealers, service, access managers, boating organizations and boaters) was faced with state specific closure notices, re-opening notices, and new restrictions for boating activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The marine trade industry stepped up and provided exceptional leadership during this emergency to provide all of those impacted in the boating industry with guidance for safe operation for the businesses, employees and customers.
A wealth of new BMP’s were developed and implemented during this emergency. A workshop will provide an overview of these new standard operating procedures (SOPs) and begin to look at how the industry can utilize them for future pandemics, coastal hazards (flooding, drought, storms) and other safety concerns. It will focus on providing members of the boating industry with an enhanced understanding of crisis management and emergency planning and the tools you can use to develop a facility-based response plan.
This free workshop is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, July 14, at Borio’s Restaurant in Cicero, N.Y. It is being supported with a grant from the National Sea Grant College Program. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. All CDC, NYSDOH, and Cornell University COVID safety protocols will be followed (unvaccinated participants will need to wear a mask and maintain social distance).
Registration: please email the participant(s) name, business name, email and phone number to Sharon Mullen, slm22@cornell.edu. Registration deadline is Wednesday, July 7th. Space may be limited.
[Editor’s note: Along with NY Sea Grant, the Empire State Marine Trades Association, Association of Marina Industries, the MRAA will participate in the conference and be represented by Liz Walz, Vice President, Jason Walz, Director of Programs and Chad Tokowicz, Government Relations Manager.]
Throughout the country, boaters are expected to cruise to popular gathering spots this Fourth of July weekend with friends and family, with plans to raft up, drop anchor and swim, enjoy barbecues and cap off festivities with spectacular fireworks celebrations.
“After a year of Covid restrictions, boaters are out on the water in force, soaking up plenty of sun and fun,” said Water Sports Foundation Executive Director Jim Emmons. ”With the addition of 415,000 new, first-time registered boat owners since 2020 who are now enjoying their first full season, we felt it was especially important to welcome them to the water and to share important safe boating strategies as we approach the busy holiday weekend.”
The Water Sports Foundation recommends the following tips to maximize boating fun and safety this Fourth of July weekend, and beyond:
1. Important Basics: Plan Ahead & Be Prepared
Boaters should conduct a thorough inspection of their vessel and trailer to ensure everything is in working order. Check with the local Coast Guard auxiliary or Power Squadron for free vessel safety checks.
Conduct a pre-departure check to make sure all required safety equipment is secured on board and operational.
Top on the list: ensure life jackets are available and properly fit for weight and size for every passenger, especially youngsters. Life jackets save lives!
Check weather conditions and plan accordingly. Be prepared to find shelter or return home if inclement weather is approaching.
Never overload your boat. Check the capacity plate and follow all weight mandates.
If you are operating a boat 26’ or smaller, make sure to comply with the new federal law requiring boat operators to wear and engage ECOS: Emergency Cut-Off Switch. Worn by the captain, this safety lanyard will shut off the engine immediately in the case of an overboard fall.
Make sure VHF radios, phones and EPIRB transponders work. Consider carrying a portable cell phone battery charger as back-up.
Pack sunscreen, first-aid kit and a basic toolkit.
2. File a Float Plan
Create a simple document that includes the names and contact information of all those aboard the boat, along with planned destinations, expected departure and return times.
Leave the plan with marina personnel and/or responsible emergency contacts.
3. Pre-Departure Communications
An important and often overlooked boater safety strategy: the captain should always gather the crew prior to departure to fully review safe boating protocols and practices.
This may include instructions for passengers to remain seated when the boat is underway; to keep arms and legs within the vessel; to wear life jackets; and to review pre-appointed assignments such designated observers during watersports activities, etc.
4. Designate a Sober Skipper
Don’t drink and drive. Boating under the influence is the primary cause of boating-related deaths in the United States.
The serious effects of sun, wind and water when coupled with the consumption of alcohol is a dangerous cocktail and recipe for potential disaster.
Besides safeguarding family and friends from the effects and consequences of alcohol use, keep in mind marine law enforcement will be heavily patrolling waterways and issuing citations for those who are impaired and operating vessels under the influence.
5. Raft-Up Tips for Large Boat Gatherings
If you’re an inexperienced boater, avoid navigating in large boating hotspots until you’ve gained more experience operating in crowded conditions. Even seasoned skippers should exercise extra precaution when joining a big boating bash.
If you plan to raft-up with other boating friends, meet in advance to discuss strategies prior to departure so everyone knows the game plan.
Choose your spot carefully. Remember, if you’re positioned in the center of the action, don’t expect to make a fast or easy getaway.
As you approach the destination, slow down to idle speed.
Designated observers should be engaged to look out for anchored and moving boats in your path along with swimmers, paddlers and tubers in the area. Approach carefully.
Once you’ve selected your location, the largest boat in the fleet should anchor first with appropriate line lengths, along with fenders extended on both sides.
As the raft-up ensues, consider use of a boat hook to help secure boats together. Once hooked, the captain is free to cut the engine, throw dock lines and connect.
Where possible, tie off at least two dock lines to each boat’s cleats, preferably at the bow or midship, and one at the stern.
The same slow and deliberate approach should be taken at departure.
6. Night Moves & Fireworks
Novice boaters should minimize their exposure and risk after sunset, especially when considering the large crowds expected for holiday and fireworks festivities. Experienced boaters should also exercise extra precautions when operating at night.
Prior to departure, be sure you know approved anchoring locations issued by area marine authorities; comply accordingly. Chart your route in advance and map positions for navigation markers which may be difficult to see at night. Where possible, deploy GPS electronics to aid in navigation.
Check in advance to ensure your boat’s running and anchor lights are working. For extra safety, carry a spotlight and flares.
Be sure your fire extinguisher is aboard and easily accessible.
Give yourself adequate time to reach and/or return to your targeted destination. Due to enhanced visibility concerns and distractions, travel at slower speeds.
Be patient and expect delays at busy marinas, boat ramps and docks.
Keep your boat safely distanced from the fireworks barge, as well as from other boaters.
NEVER ignite fireworks of any type including sparklers from your boat.
Report illegal fireworks activities.
7. Paddle Safety
Always wear a life jacket. Three-quarters of people who died while paddling in 2019 were not wearing a life jacket. Don’t be a statistic—buckle up.
Dress for the weather and the water temperature.
Know and follow the local boating rules. Like it or not, you’re the little guy. Be careful around other boats and avoid the crowds when you can.
See and be seen. Wear bright clothing and keep a whistle in reach (pro tip: clip it to your life jacket). This is especially important in busy waters.
Choose your location carefully. Make sure your skill, experience and craft are a match for the waterway you choose.
Practice re-entering your kayak, canoe or paddleboard from the water.
Don’t drink alcohol and paddle.
Share your float plan (see Number 2 above)
“We want boaters to avoid becoming a boating statistic over this holiday weekend by practicing a few safety measures to keep everyone safe,” said Emmons. “We believe safe boaters are happy boaters, so let’s all have fun by being well-prepared and safe on the water.”
About the Water Sports Foundation
Headquartered in Orlando, FL, the Water Sports Foundation (WSF) is the non-profit educational arm of the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA.net). The WSF National Public Relations Outreach including this press release is produced under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Get On Board marketing campaign, a united effort from the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) to generate consumer awareness for boating and fishing, launched last week, June 5-13, coinciding with National Fishing and Boating Week.
Discover Boating and Take Me Fishing report the campaign kickoff last week featured public service announcements (PSA), a satellite media tour (SMT), earned media relations coverage, influencer and content creator partnerships, paid advertising, digital marketing, organic social media promotion and more. Throughout NFBW, Get On Board generated over 163 million impressions with more than 630 TV and radio placements.
In its second year, the Get On Board campaign, with a dedicated focus on retention and recruitment, saw outstanding early results, including:
302 downloads of the Get On Board toolkit by industry stakeholders
34% increase year-over-year in overall sessions to DiscoverBoating.com
88K referrals from Take Me Fishing™ to DiscoverBoating.com, up 1,144%
82K referrals from Take Me Fishing™ to state boat registration pages, up 16% year-over-year
10,045,746 overall sessions to RBFF digital properties, a 36% increase year-over-year
645K referrals from Take Me Fishing™ to state fishing license pages, on par with 2020 numbers
2021 Get On Board press release was picked up by 225 news organizations and secured 137.9 million consumer impressions
Take Me Fishing and Discover Boating activated 87 influencers from varying backgrounds throughout NFBW to reach an audience of 440,600 on social media; posts earned posts earned more than 213,000 engagements.
More than 639 media placements ran across the country featuring campaign spokesperson and nationally recognized psychiatrist Dr. Jessica Clemons, who discussed the mental health and wellness benefits of fishing and boating.
Disney Parks shared with nearly 2 million followers on its blog, Tik Tok, Instagram and Facebook channels National Fishing and Boating Week content, including #TheWaterIsOpen.
Discover Boating reports that more than 450 industry stakeholders have joined the campaign. Open to all brands and leaders within the boating and fishing industries, the Get On Board campaign encourages all stakeholders to relay the important message that boating and fishing continue providing lifelines to health and wellness. The GOB Toolkit is free to download, offering customizable resources. The campaign hashtag is #TheWaterIsOpen — which saw more than 3,200 uses as part of a social media movement among influencers, industry partners, outdoor enthusiasts, anglers and boaters.
All questions may be directed to Bruna Carincotte, RBFF’s Director of Public Relations and Communications, at bcarincotte@rbff.org and Maggie Maskery, NMMA’s Director of Consumer Public Relations, at mmaskery@nmma.org.
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced its support of bipartisan and bicameral legislation that would reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. This important program supports about $650 million annually in fishery restoration and conservation programs, boating access and infrastructure, fish stocking programs and the highly successful and award-winning national outreach communication effort that has help to grow participation in boating and fishing.
The Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2021 was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) and Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) and in the House by Reps. Debbie Dingell (R-Michigan) and Garret Graves (R-Louisiana).
“This legislation provides critical funding for our industry, for the many millions of consumers who enjoy boating and fishing, and for the important conservation efforts that protect our waterways and fish habitats,” says MRAA President Matt Gruhn. “We appreciate the leadershihp of Senators Cantwell and Wicker and Representatives Dingell and Graves for being champions of the Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2021.”
The SFRBTF was introduced in 1950 with the passage of the Dingell-Johnson Act, which created a federal excise tax on recreational fishing equipment. In 1984, the Wallop-Breaux Amendment expanded the program by adding federal fuel taxes for motor boats and small engines. The SFRBTF is funded by manufacturer’s excise taxes on fishing equipment, import duties, and motorboat and small engine fuel taxes. These funds are then used for programs like the Boating Infrastructure Grant Program, which provides funds for the construction, renovation, and maintenance of tie-up facilities with features for transient boaters, as well as the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, which has helped to attract new boaters and fishing enthusiasts to the sport in large numbers and thereby increasing the funds that are added into the Trust Fund.
“The SFRBTF is an important program for conservation and access as it provides state fish and wildlife agencies with much needed funds for habitat restoration and infrastructure improvement,” said Chad Tokowicz Government Relations Manager for the MRAA. “This funding makes it possible for anglers and boaters to find more recreational opportunities and contribute to important conservation efforts simply by fueling up their boats and buying new fishing equipment.”
We ask that you follow the link to the Boating United Action Alert and ask that your Member of Congress support the Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act, as the two bills make their way through the House and Senate.
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, contact us at 763-315-8043.
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced today that Chad Tokowicz, Government Relations Manager for the MRAA, along with five new boating industry stakeholders have been tapped to serve on the North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council.
The Sober Skipper Advisory Council collaborates on strategies to promote greater awareness and adoption of boating safety initiatives and messaging both within the recreational marine industry and the boating consumer space. The council is also actively involved in promoting and judging the organization’s annual National Boating Industry Safety Awards.
“It’s an honor to be appointed to the North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council and I look forward to working with the other Council Members in ensuring boaters are staying safe on the water,” said Tokowicz. “With a record number of boaters on the water over the past year, it is imperative folks in the boating industry are working together to assure smart decisions are being made and that folks are enjoying their boating lifestyle.”
New appointees voted onto the North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council will serve a two-year term which began June 1, 2021. Appointees are listed below in alphabetical order:
Shannon Aronson, Marketing and PR Director, American Boat & Yacht Council
Laura Barry, Regional VP/West Coast, West Marine
Capt. Bob May, Owner/Producer, Bob’s No Wake Zone Boating Radio Show
Adam Quandt, Managing Editor/Top 100 Program Director, Boating Industry magazine
Scott Rath, General Manager, Uflex USA, Inc.
Chad Tokowicz, Government Relations Manager, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
“We received a record number of nominations for new term appointments and were very pleased by both the enthusiastic response and the outstanding qualifications of the slate of candidates,” said Sea Tow Foundation Executive Director Gail R. Kulp. “Our six new council members help to round out representation from throughout the recreational marine industry and we are thrilled to welcome them aboard.”
The new appointees join the current slate of council members including David Connolly, Thomas H. Connolly and Sons; Jim Emmons, Water Sports Foundation; Kevin Falvey, Bonnier/Boating Magazine; John Jost, Ken Cook Company; Capt. Keith Lake, MarineMax; Nic Thomas, Freedom Boat Club; Stephanie Vatalaro, RBFF; Annamarie Worrell, Emerald Coast Marine Group; TK Krumenacker, AAA Insurance; Tyler Mehrl, Mercury Marine; Mark Pillsbury, Bonnier/Cruising World Magazine; Angie Scott, The Woman Angler & Adventurer; Eric Shepard, retired; and Leslie Zlotnick, Yamaha Watercraft Group. The council’s executive committee includes Kristen Frohnhoefer, Sea Tow Services International; Gail R. Kulp, Sea Tow Foundation; and Wanda Kenton Smith, Kenton Smith Marketing.
About the Sea Tow Foundation’s North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council Launched in 2019, the North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council represents multiple sectors of the recreational boating industry along with an executive task force. In its first year, the council organized and debuted its first National Boating Industry Safety Awards to recognize the outstanding work of recreational boating organizations in promoting boating safety. The council is actively engaged in ongoing support of multiple safe boating initiatives. For more information about the North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council, please visit: www.boatingsafety.com/nassac
About the Sea Tow Foundation With a focus on safe boating practices that result in fun on the water, the Sea Tow Foundation – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – was established in 2007 by Sea Tow Founder Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer. The Foundation brings attention to the number of preventable boating-related accidents, injuries, and deaths, and directly addresses prevention methods through education and awareness. Through the Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner Program, more than 75,000 life jackets are available and free to borrow and return at over 750 life jacket loaner stations located across the United States. The Foundation’s Sober Skipper Campaign aims to eliminate Boating Under the Influence by encouraging boaters to Take the Pledge to be the sober skipper before heading out on the water. And the Sea Tow Foundation also established the National Boating Industry Safety Awards in 2019 to recognize and reward for-profit boating businesses for their efforts to promote boating safety. For more information on the Sea Tow Foundation, please visit BoatingSafety.com.
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, contact us at 763-315-8043.
‘Internet’s favorite psychiatrist’ and social media influencers
join effort to promote nature’s wellness benefits
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (June 7, 2021) — A new study from Take Me Fishing and Discover Boating uncovers a wellness deficit in America as recreational activities begin reopening amid improving public health conditions. Based on the findings, the two outdoor recreation organizations are launching their summer-long Get On Board campaign this National Fishing and Boating Week (NFBW), June 5 through 13, to help Americans from all walks of life fill their wellness deficits by experiencing the benefits of the outdoors firsthand. Research shows that simply getting outside or being near water lowers stress and anxiety. With help from mental health changemaker Dr. Jessica Clemons and a fleet of social media influencers, Get On Board will encourage, uplift and inspire Americans with its message that The Water Is Open to Everyone.
“With health clubs, sports leagues, summer camps and more on pause last year, many of us found ourselves missing the activities we once depended on to sustain our wellness — and as a result, we accumulated a wellness deficit,” said Stephanie Vatalaro, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and its Take Me Fishing brand. “To fill our wellness deficits, many of us turned to outdoor recreational activities like fishing and boating as ways to recreate responsibly during the pandemic. Our goal now is to help everyone experience the healing power of nature.”
According to a new online survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults by The Harris Poll, most Americans agree that participating in outdoor recreation is good for both mental (89%) and physical (89%) well-being. And while many (70%) do see people like themselves in outdoor recreation events, social media, advertising, etc., filling America’s wellness deficit may begin with inviting a more diverse population to experience the outdoors. More than 4 in 10 (43%) would be more likely to participate in outdoor activities if they saw more examples of people like themselves in the outdoor recreation industry.
“Being on, near or around water is one of the best ways to refresh and reset your mind, giving you the freedom to explore and escape stress on land,” said Ellen Bradley, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications and Chief Brand Officer for the National Marine Manufacturers Association and its Discover Boating initiative. “The water is having a renaissance as more Americans discover fishing and boating as ways to relax and spend quality time with friends and family. In fact, demand for new boats has surged, with sales reaching a 13-year high in 2020 — and that’s just the beginning. Get On Board is designed to be a welcome call to relax, explore and connect with loved ones in a way that can only be experienced on the water.”
To help raise awareness about the wellness benefits anyone can experience outdoors and on the water, the campaign will enlist the help of acclaimed mental health expert Dr. Jessica Clemons, known for her @askdrjess social media platform. Heralded as ‘the internet’s favorite psychiatrist,’ Dr. Clemons uses her social influence to encourage everyone to prioritize their wellness and practice self-care.
“Without a conscious effort, it’s easy to put your mental health on autopilot,” Dr. Clemons said. “Exploring new wellness-sustaining activities like fishing and boating is a great way to refill the wellness deficit you may be in following last year’s shutdowns. This is especially true for people who don’t have previous fishing and boating experience. Learning new skills promotes a sense of accomplishment and getting out of your routine can help you get in touch with your friends, your family and yourself.”
As suggested by the study, individuals’ likelihood of trying new outdoor activities often depends on first seeing people they identify with in those activities. Based on that finding, Get On Board is deploying a fleet of social media influencers. Coming from a broad range of backgrounds, through their social influence they will encourage Americans from all walks of life to fill their wellness deficits and have fun this summer by experiencing the benefits of nature.
“Before you can be your best self on the water, you need to see your best self on the water,” said Jenny Anderson through her Instagram account @girlof10000lakes. “The outdoors community has lots of people you might not expect, and we’re sharing our stories using #TheWaterIsOpen. Joining us is as simple as using the hashtag yourself while enjoying nature. We want everyone to experience the wellness benefits of the outdoors, and an easy way to start is by showcasing the breadth of the outdoors community.”
Get On Board is accompanied by a variety of programs developed on behalf of the fishing and boating industries. Vamos A Pescar™ is RBFF’s Hispanic outreach initiative, which provides Spanish-language fishing and boating ‘how to’ and ‘where to’ information, along with critical funding to community programs nationwide through the George H. W. Bush Vamos A Pescar™ Education Fund. Women Making Waves is RBFF’s social media movement to increase female visibility in fishing. Additional initiatives from RBFF include the Stories of Mentors and I Am an Angler campaigns. Through spotlighting the experiences of unexpected fishing and boating participants, RBFF and NMMA are committed to supporting the next generation in fishing and boating.
Anyone can celebrate NFBW and experience the wellness benefits of the outdoors by getting started in fishing and boating. An easy way for newcomers to test the water is by participating in their state’s Free Fishing Days when standard fishing license requirements are waived. Those interested in exploring boating can try it out through boat rentals, peer-to-peer sharing and boat clubs.
About the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF)
RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase recreational angling and boating participation, thereby protecting and restoring the nation’s aquatic natural resources. RBFF’s 60 in 60 effort strives to attract 60 million anglers to the sport by the end of 2021. To help recruit, retain and reactivate participants, RBFF developed the award-winning Take Me Fishing™ and Vamos A Pescar™ campaigns to build awareness of boating, fishing, and conservation and educate people about the benefits of participation. The campaign websites feature how-to-videos and an interactive state-by-state map that allows visitors to find local boating and fishing spots, helping boaters and anglers of all ages and experience levels learn, plan, and equip for a successful day on the water.
About Discover Boating
Discover Boating is a national program managed by the two leading trade groups for the recreational boating industry, the National Marine Manufacturers Association and Marine Retailers Association of the Americas to help people get on the water and experience the fun of boating. For anyone exploring the boating lifestyle, DiscoverBoating.com is a resource for getting started in boating. It offers tools for finding accessible ways to get on the water such as rentals and charters, plus a boat selector tool and a boat loan calculator to find the right boat for your budget and lifestyle. Follow along on Discover Boating’s social channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Survey Method
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Take Me Fishing between April 14-16 among 2,050 adults ages 18+. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Bruna Carincotte at bcarincotte@rbff.org.
Free Virtual Event Thursday, Sept. 9 for the Marine Industry
ORLANDO, FL (June 3, 2021) – Correct Craft has launched a new Innovation Summit for those within the marine industry; it will be held from 2–4 p.m. EST, on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021. The Innovation Summit is underwritten by Correct Craft and free for all attendees.
After the positive reception of Correct Craft’s two Culture Summits, Correct Craft is proud to announce the Innovation Summit. The Innovation Summit will explore the necessity of innovation, the difference between sustaining and disruptive innovation, an infinite mindset, applying innovation, implementing innovation and much more.
Bill Yeargin, Correct Craft’s President and CEO stated, “There’s no question that the world is changing rapidly around us. Those that don’t innovate will not survive; both our team and our excellent guest speakers are happy to share what we have learned about how to not only survive but prosper in the years ahead through innovation.”
Yeargin continues, “The Innovation Summit will cover many facets of innovation where both seasoned innovators and those new to innovation will find it a great use of two hours. We look forward to our industry becoming better after this Summit.”
In the coming weeks, The Innovation Summit will announce its exciting speaker line-up. To register or find out more information on the Innovation Summit go to www.themarineinnovationsummit.com.
About Correct Craft: Celebrating 96 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is a Florida-based company with global operations. Focused on “Making Life Better,” the Correct Craft family includes Nautique, Centurion, Supreme, Bass Cat, Yar-Craft, SeaArk, Parker, and Bryant boat companies, Pleasurecraft Marine Engine Group, Watershed Innovation and Aktion Parks. For more information please visit www.correctcraft.com.
NMMA Chief Brand Officer, Senior Vice President Ellen Bradley Shares Insights & Evolution Plans for Discover Boating
The industry’s strategy to amplify the recreational boating industry’s collective voice to grow participation is beginning to take shape as NMMA integrates the marketing power of its boat shows under the Discover Boating brand. While boat shows are an extension of the brand, the real power of Discover Boating is introducing new people to the boating lifestyle.
Read on for the latest Q&A with NMMA’s Ellen Bradley, chief brand officer and senior vice president of marketing and communications and click here for an accompanying infographic.
Before we dive into summer 2021 plans, can you shed light on how the “Get on Board” campaign came to be? EB: This year, Discover Boating is doing a second-year partnership with RBFF’s Take Me Fishing to continue the powerful rallying cry we unveiled last summer – Get on Board. The past year and a half presented a challenging yet opportune moment for both the Discover Boating and Take Me Fishing marketing teams. What we quickly realized last spring was that boating and fishing had the potential to capture attention like never before. With the pandemic creating uncertainty across industries like cruise lines, international travel, and sporting events, brands were pulling their marketing dollars and campaigns leaving a gap in the market. We knew it was a chance for us to break through and tell our industry’s story with a relevant message for what our country was going through—Americans were seeking a safe way to spend time with close loved ones, be outdoors, and focus on their personal wellness.
At the same time, on the Discover Boating side, manufacturers were shut down for weeks due to COVID restrictions and we saw funding decline as a result. We had to get creative and so together with RBFF and MRAA we pooled our resources, got as loud as possible and put boating and fishing on everyone’s radar across the US and Canada. NMMA’s Frank Hugelmeyer, RBFF’s Frank Petersen and MRAA’s Matt Gruhn championed this united effort at exactly the right time.
What’s on tap for this summer? EB: Following the IPSOS research shared a few months ago and the number of people we’re continuing to see turn to outdoor recreation for stress relief, family connection and health, we’re really leaning into the wellness benefits of boating and fishing this summer. You’ll especially see this messaging come through our PR and social. In fact, the PR team has already been hard at work, and recently met with more than a dozen top tier national lifestyle media to share our industry’s story. In addition to an aggressive PR effort, we have digital advertising, social media campaigns, new content and an influencer campaign. Combined with the Take Me Fishing team, we’re working with approximately 60 influencers across the US and Canada, getting them on the water to share their own boating and fishing moments and adventures. And, in addition to Instagram and YouTube, we’re excited to be on TikTok this year for the first time given its growth among Gen X and millennials and its short-form video-sharing format.
We recently announced the elements of this summer’s campaign in a joint press release with RBFF and MRAA . A big part of the campaign lies in the hands of the industry—we want to see dealers, marinas, manufacturers and industry stakeholders across the board helping to spread the word about the joys of boating and fishing. And we’re making it easy with the “Get on Board” toolkit. Whether it’s social content, videos, or digital ads, we’ve got you covered.
What are some the results to date in 2021? EB: DiscoverBoating.com is a hub for all things boating lifestyle, attracting millions of potential boat buyers each year. There’s an incredible foundation that’s been built over time and the past few years the team has focused intently and intensely on content. As a result, our organic traffic is breaking records and we’re seeing continued year over year (YOY) growth in site traffic and manufacturer referrals. What’s especially exciting is we’re continuing to see this even as we’ve entered May, which this time last year was a month we saw massive spikes in traffic as it became clear the pandemic was here to stay for a while and boating could provide much-needed solace.
Through May, traffic is up about 50% YOY and referrals are up nearly 10% YOY which has us at about 2.5 million unique visitors and about 1 million referrals. What’s more, we’re seeing a younger, more diverse visitor. In fact, the largest user segment right now on DiscoverBoating.com is 25-34 years old. What’s more, there’s been 90% YOY growth in traffic among 18–24-year-old visitors and a 41% increase in women visitors. Nurturing these potential boaters and boat buyers is a critical element of Discover Boating. It also happens to be one we’re constantly tweaking, learning about, and improving upon given the constant changes and evolutions in digital as well as where these consumers find themselves in their exploration of the boating lifestyle.
As dealers face inventory shortages across the country, can you talk about the mission of Discover Boating? EB: Discover Boating exists to introduce people to the boating lifestyle and advance their exploration of boat ownership to ultimately grow participation and boat ownership. To grow our industry we need to be engaging the next generation customer now.
Someone recently asked me, “why do we need Discover Boating right now if we don’t have any boats to sell/don’t have inventory?” My response was two-fold 1) there’s no doubt one of the reasons there aren’t boats to sell right now is because we had the Discover Boating campaign the past 15 years planting seeds with millions of consumers and 2) Discover Boating is not a short-term sales promotion – it’s a long-term initiative to introduce the next generation of customers to boating so there’s interest in 2, 3, 5+ years.
The campaign is not designed to get people into a dealership today—that’s the job of manufacturers and dealers who are primed to market and sell to the person who’s decided they’re buying a boat. Instead, Discover Boating fills a void in our industry and that’s to build awareness for the boating lifestyle by inspiring and igniting interest, ultimately turning prospective boat shoppers into boat shoppers. That’s why you’ll hear us talk about the hand-off from Discover Boating to manufacturers and dealers being so key. It’s also why you can expect to see us constantly fine-tuning that process as we work to ensure our industry takes a much more personalized approach with our consumer interactions.
What does the future hold for Discover Boating? EB: The industry’s Discover Boating funding from assessments is laser-focused on building interest and future customers through our awareness and interest campaign. That won’t change. A key part of this, which is coming to life in a bigger way through NMMA’s recent partnership with MRAA, is Discover Boating’s role in retention – which is ultimately all about the customer experience once someone becomes a boat owner.
We’re all familiar with the significant attrition rate among first-time buyers (Info-Link cites it at 42% after five years). Tackling this is key. Customer experience has to be prioritized across the board if we’re going to grow and be relevant in the next 5, 10, 15 years. MRAA is investing heavily in both content and education and has been spreading the message about the importance of improving the customer experience at all industry touchpoints and they’re providing solutions, advice and resources for how to do it.
In addition to a strong focus on the customer experience, we’re working with a new creative agency to better understand the consumer of today and tomorrow so we’re inviting them to the boating lifestyle in a way that resonates with them and where they are in their lives. Not only have we all gone through tremendous change this past year but as we work to expand the Discover Boating brand universe the time is right to do a gut check and ensure the brand is aligned with our audience. Part of our research includes diving deeper into what motivates people to be boaters, what attracts them to the lifestyle, and what inspires them to get out on the water. All of this work will result in a new campaign to launch next spring. It will also result in a refreshed logo that will be unveiled in the coming months. And, it’s all rooted in exciting consumers about the joys and freedoms of the boating lifestyle, helping them get started, and helping them remain excited.
You’ve shared the strategy to expand and amplify Discover Boating through boat shows. Can you elaborate on whether it’s just NMMA boat shows? EB: Discover Boating is an industry-wide campaign, funded by the industry, for the industry. Through Discover Boating assessments, the campaign has an annual budget that hovers between $6-8 million. While that’s a lot of money, when you’ve got to be national in scope and are competing for consumer attention alongside recreation and leisure industries spending three to four times that amount it forces you to be incredibly efficient, which we do through our digital-focused campaigns, and incredibly creative with how you extend the value of each dollar. NMMA’s Board of Directors recognized we could do this by leaning into the immense marketing power of NMMA’s boat shows. And we don’t want to limit the brand to NMMA shows—again, this is an industry-wide initiative so we want participation from across the boat show universe. In fact, we’re working alongside other industry boat show producers to explore ways they can bring Discover Boating to their events too. As other shows add their support, we grow our reach and impact even more.
To clarify, don’t boat shows target repeat boat buyers? Why bring Discover Boating, which is geared toward welcoming new boaters, to these events? EB: Boat shows have historically attracted repeat buyers because they provide an ideal one-stop shop. Boat buyers get to see the latest boats from across a region in one place, and often find some of the best deals of the year. However, when we bring lifestyle activations, entertainment, on-water training, and social elements to the show, suddenly they not only enhance the repeat buyer’s experience, but they provide a unique opportunity for potential boaters too. When we’ve delivered this at our shows, we have seen increased interest from potential first-time buyers. Boat shows are this powerful strategic advantage for our industry. At shows, you get to see the boating community up close, feel and touch the products, and get a taste of the lifestyle, all while addressing some of the barriers would-be boaters face—from financing and insurance to education/know-how.
NMMA’s boat show PR alone generated nearly $18 million dollars in advertising value in 2020 (the amount it would cost if PR placements were ads). Infusing Discover Boating into that PR is an incredible opportunity to extend the industry’s investment in the brand and create a more impactful industry voice. This is what’s at the root of the NMMA Board’s decision to integrate the brand with shows.
By bringing boat shows under the Discover Boating brand, with the goal of ultimately adding even more lifestyle components that engage and attract interested and existing boaters, we create an omni-channel marketing experience and expand our collective voice and impact. Boat shows are sales events and valuable marketing platforms for exhibitors, and for boating. As we look at the 2022 season, we’re already seeing demand from consumers as they crave a return to events. If I’m an exhibitor, I’m thinking about how I take advantage of this opportunity to stand out and dial-up how I use boat shows to market my brands and my dealership.
How will the Discover Boating brand show up at shows? What will that look like? EB: For NMMA’s 2022 boat shows, we’ll begin to strategically introduce Discover Boating over time. Expect a multi-year transition. In year one, this means you’ll see the brand as a presenting sponsor. For example, the Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat Show will become the Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat Show, presented by Discover Boating. This allows us to make Discover Boating a significant part of the show brand – placing it across all our marketing materials, while educating attendees on the Discover Boating brand experience. To start, this experience will include a new Discover Boating section on our boat show websites with curated content related to boater education and resources and the joys of the boating lifestyle. Similarly, we’ll enhance our education content on DiscoverBoating.com to help interested boat buyers understand the boat show experience.
We’re doing things a bit differently in Miami since it’s now a much larger, city-wide boating event as a result of the partnership between NMMA and Informa. We’ll soon be unveiling an exciting Discover Boating branded experience, so stay tuned!
For a timeline of what’s on tap for Discover Boating and the integration of industry boat shows in the months ahead click here to view the infographic.
Questions on the evolution of the Discover Boating brand and/or integration of boat shows? Check out this recent article and Q&A, or contact Ellen Bradley at ebradley@nmma.org.
This news story and Q&A session originally ran on NMMA.org.
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