The National Marine Manufacturers Association, Water Sports Industry Association and Marine Retailers Association of the Americas this year have lobbied several state legislatures in an effort to preserve boating access rights and promote safety.
Six states in particular have considered new boating regulations during their 2022 legislative sessions thus far, NMMA said in a statement on Tuesday. Multiple states have also looked at new restrictions on wake-surfing.
Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Oregon, South Carolina and Tennessee were highlighted in the NMMA statement as states with significant boating-related legislative initiatives underway.
Some of those states either passed restrictive legislation or postponed votes on new regulations.
Tennessee became the first state to enact the boating industry’s model legislation for towed water sport, NMMA said. South Carolina also passed a new wake-surfing law supported by the industry.
“As we head into peak boating season, and the recreational boating industry continues to see record growth, industry stakeholders are encouraged to share resources on responsible practices on the water with their customers and audiences,” the NMMA statement said.
