AMI partners with NYMA

WARREN, R.I. – The Association of Marina Industries (AMI) has partnered with the National Youth Marine Alliance for National Marina Day, an annual event designed to bring politicians and the public to marinas to educate them on the valuable service marinas offer as gateways to our waters, it reported in a recent statement.

NYMA invites all marines to participate in Preserve America’s Waterways, led by the Boy Scouts of America, a National Youth Marine Alliance partner. It is a national initiative to help every marina operator host a youth service project at their facility to keep the waterways clean, according to the association.

AMI said it formed the partnership in recognition of the important role marinas have in getting kids to appreciate our waterways and enhance their awareness of the sensitive water and waterfront environments. This partnership provides an opportunity for marinas to work with their future customers and teach them not only the value of the waterfront but also the fun of recreational boating, the association stated.

While Preserve America’s Waterways is an official part of National Marina Day (Aug. 8), marinas may schedule a clean up day at any time from March through December, AMI reported. The clean up can be done in preparation for National Marina Day events or can be part of post-event clean-up. All participating youth will receive a national recognition certificate that can be presented at the marina on National Marina Day creating an opportunity for press coverage at the event, according to the association.

The process to sign up costs nothing. Marinas pick a day or weekend they want their facility cleaned up, and a local youth group will adopt the project, AMI reported. Every activity is covered by the BSA insurance, and an adult leader and supervisor will accompany the scouts. Every participating marina will be recognized with the Youth Stewardship Partner Award, stated the association.

Those businesses that wish to get involved with Preserve America’s Waterways can visit http://www.goblue4kids.org/images/MarinaWATERWAYS.pdf or contact Tom Griffin, project coordinator of National Youth Marine Alliance, at captkid@cox.net or 401/935-6248. For information on National Marina Day, visit www.marinaassociation.org/nmd or contact wlarimer@marinaassociation.org 866/367-6622.

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