July 1st is national boating day

June 30, 9:44 PMCleveland Boating ExaminerSandy Woodthorpe

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Racing in Fairport Harbor. Photo by
Sandy Woodthorpe

Taking to the water is a recreational pastime over 70 million Americans, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. 

For many people, being on the water brings a sense of freedom, an escape from the daily grind on land. For others, it's about making fond memories with family and friends.  For manufacturers, marinas, brokers, retailers, repair shops and other boating-related businesses that employ many thousands of workers,  this $33.6 billion industry is a livelihood.

Recognizing the important role that recreational boating - and the boating industry- play in this country, the U.S. House of Representatives recently declared July 1st as National Boating Day.

Congressional representatives, Ron Klein (D-Fla.) and Henry Brown (R-S.C.), Candice Miller (R-Mich.) and Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) got things underway with Resolution 505 two years ago.  After passage in the U.S. Senate, the bill was signed recently by President Obama.

The designation signifies governmental recognition of the industry's importance to the U.S. economy.  An estimated $1.9 billion in economic stimulus dollars have been directed to accelerate dredging of waterways throughout the country.  Many other projects that support boating activities have received or will be receiving federal funds, as well.

For more info:  Resolution 505 introduction in Congress (video): http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/fl20_schultz/BoatingDay.html;
Discover Boating website: http://www.discoverboating.com/;
Dredging at Fairport Harbor:  http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/ETSpubs/HFS/Fairport%20Harbor.pdf