POLK CITY, Fla. — USA Water Ski has partnered with the National Marine Manufacturers Association, pledging its resources to bolster the NMMA's Discover Boating initiative — a nation-wide campaign promoting the lifestyle and benefits of recreational boating — and joining the NMMA in its efforts to protect the waterways access of boaters throughout the United States.

"USA Water Ski's partnership with the NMMA perfectly matches the goals of each organization," said Steve McDermeit, USA Water Ski's executive director. "The NMMA is striving to increase the number of boaters in the United States and we want people to have fun water skiing and wakeboarding behind those boats. Both of our organizations also want to make sure that waterways access is legislated in a practical and informed manner at the local, state and national levels."

Started in 1996, the NMMA's Discover Boating initiative is an educational resource presented to potential recreational boat consumers at numerous boat shows, public events and through its companion web site, DISCOVERBOATING.com. After successfully targeting the fishing and leisure boating segment, the initiative will now incorporate water sports information provided by USA Water Ski to increase the number of recreational boaters throughout the United States. In the past year alone, media coverage of the Discover Boating initiative has reached more than 126 million readers throughout the United States.

"Boating offers the very best way for families and friends to connect with each other, to enjoy the outdoors, and to escape the ever-growing stresses that we all carry," said Thom Dammrich, president of the Chicago-based NMMA. "Water skiing provides a perfect example of these benefits. There is a natural synergy between USA Water Ski and the NMMA, because we are both committed to enhancing people's enjoyment of water sports and on-water outdoor recreation."

NMMA members, more than 1,400 companies, produce approximately 80 percent of the marine products used by recreational boaters and anglers in the United States. The North American pleasure boat market represents half of the global demand for these products and services. Retail sales of boats and related products and services amount to an estimated $25 billion annually in the United States.

USA Water Ski was formed in 1939 as a non-profit organization promoting water skiing in the United States. USA Water Ski is affiliated with the IWSF and is recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and Pan-American Sports Organization as the national governing body of competitive water skiing in the United States.