(Manassas, VA, Tuesday, August 10, 2021) – The National Safe Boating Council reminds boaters to “Get Connected” and use an engine cut-off switch every time they go powerboating to keep themselves and their passengers safe on the water. And, it’s the law (as of April 1, 2021).

Yvonne Pentz, communications director of the National Safe Boating Council, shares why engine cut-off switches are so important.

SOUNDBITE #1:

IMAGINE IF YOUR POWERBOAT HITS A WAVE, TAKES A SHARP TURN, OR RUNS INTO AN OBJECT. IT ONLY TAKES A SECOND FOR A BOATER TO FALL INTO THE WATER. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THERE’S A RISK OF BEING STRUCK BY THE BOAT’S PROPELLER. AN ENGINE CUT-OFF SWITCH WILL STOP THE BOAT’S ENGINE SHOULD THE OPERATOR UNEXPECTEDLY FALL OVERBOARD. WHETHER YOU’RE AN EXPERIENCED OR NEW POWERBOATER, ALWAYS USE AN ENGINE CUT-OFF SWITCH.

SOUNDBITE #2:

BOATING IS ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS. A SAFE DAY ON THE WATER IS A PERFECT DAY ON THE WATER. IT’S A GREAT WAY TO CONNECT WITH NATURE, EXPLORE NEW PLACES, AND MAYBE CONNECT WITH THAT BIG FISH. THE MOST IMPORTANT CONNECTION WHILE YOU’RE OUT ON THE WATER IS WITH YOUR BOAT’S ENGINE. WHETHER YOU USE A LANYARD OR THE SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE OF A WIRELESS DEVICE, USING AN ENGINE CUT-OFF SWITCH GIVES YOU SAFETY AND CONFIDENCE.

Always use your engine cut-off switch while powerboating. For more information, please visit GET CONNECTED BOATING DOT ORG (getconnectedboating.org).