BoatU.S. Cooperating Marinas, which make boating more affordable by offering substantial discounts on fuel, transient slips and repairs, are ramping up for National Marina Day, Saturday, August 9, 2008. BoatU.S. (Boat Owners Association of The United States) and its 885 BoatU.S. Cooperating Marinas are co-sponsors of this grass-roots effort designed to bring local community attention to the valuable role marinas play in providing access to our waterways.

National Marina Day was created by the Association of Marina Industries (AMI) to highlight the important role marinas play in their communities.

With activities slated for the whole family, Marina Day 2008 will focus on how marinas are family-friendly gateways to recreational boating. BBQs, music, raffles, charity fundraisers, beach clean-ups, regattas and boat safety demonstrations are all part of the festivities.

"Marinas are invaluable to the boating lifestyle and fulfill a critical need by providing waterway access and boating services," said Jim Schofield, director of the BoatU.S. Cooperating Marina Program and 2008 Marina Day Committee Member. "This event gives us an opportunity to share with town leaders how a marina contributes economically and allows a community to enjoy the water," he added.

For more information on National Marina Day, contact AMI at 202-737-9774, or visit the National Marina Day Web site at http://www.MarinaAssociation.org/nmd