Print
Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 20 May 2019 20 May 2019

Santa Fe, NM: Today, the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, State Parks Division hosted Media Day at Navajo Lake Marina. Media partners who were in attendance will help promote National Safe Boating Week (May 18-24) and the unofficial launch of summer fun!  A “Safe Boating Week in New Mexico” Proclamation was issued by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and was read by Christina Córdova, Public Relations Coordinator for New Mexico State Parks.

Media Day kicked off at 10 a.m. at Navajo Lake Marina with an official opening ceremony. The day consisted of boat rides for media partners to experience first-hand what NM State Parks has to offer and an opportunity to interview Marine Enforcement Officers who patrol the waters and promote boating safety. Members of the media had the opportunity to participate in personal watercraft demos, kayak/paddleboard demos, and a boat show. KISZ Country radio provided a live-radio remote from the marina.

Guided tours of the Pine Main Campground of Navajo Lake State Park were provided by the Friends of Navajo Lake State Park throughout the afternoon.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary conducted a life jacket clinic to demonstrate the proper way to wear a life jacket and showcased innovative life jacket options. One example on display included inflatable life jackets which allow for increased mobility and flexibility for activities like boating, fishing, paddling or hunting.  The life jacket demonstration is especially important as we head into the summer season as U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2017, and that 84.5 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

“Navajo Lake State Park Media Day was an amazing opportunity to highlight all that our State Parks have to offer and remind outdoor recreators about the importance of safety,” said New Mexico State Parks Director Christy Tafoya. “Our Division would like to thank all the media who attended who will go a long way in promoting safe boating practices and all the participants who came out to enjoy the day.”

New Mexico State Parks offers FREE boating safety classes throughout the state. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1989 who intends to operate a motorboat must successfully complete a state certified boating education course.

For more information on boating safety, please visit BOATNM.COM or safeboatingcampaign.com.