April 4, 2011
Dear Massachusetts BoatU.S. Member,
The Massachusetts State Legislature is considering a bill tomorrow that will require everyone, including adults, to wear lifejackets on boats under 20’ while in operation.
Currently in Massachusetts, life jackets must be onboard all boats, and worn by kids under 12, and worn by all who are waterskiing, on personal watercraft, or in canoe/kayaks in the winter. Our understanding of this legislation, House Bill 646, is that it will require everyone on boats less than 20’ to wear life jackets year-round.
BoatU.S. is a strong supporter of safe boating practices. We are emailing you because many BoatU.S. members have expressed significant concern about government mandating when and where adults must wear life jackets.
Given the immediacy of this issue in your state, we encourage you to contact your state Representative today and help them know how you feel about House Bill 646. This bill is being heard by the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security on Tuesday, April 5th at 1 pm.
For more information:
Bill language: Massachusetts House Bill 646
Click here to get your Representative’s contact information:
Elections: Voting ballot information
Please help us get the word out - forward this email to your boating friends and clubs. Thank you for being a BoatU.S. Member!
Margaret Podlich
Vice President, BoatU.S. Government Affairs
GovtAffairs@BoatUS.com
703-461-2878 x8363
BoatUS.com/Gov