Discover Boating on the Delaware, an initiative led by Pennsylvania Environment Council’s Delaware River Ambassadors, announces “Welcome to the Water on National Marina Day” on June 8 to celebrate the boating lifestyle as part of a nationwide observance.

The host locations for the event will be Penn’s Landing Marina in Philadelphia, PA and Wiggins Park Marina in Camden, NJ.

National Marina Day on the Delaware River is a free, family-friendly event open to anyone interested in getting out on the water and learning more about boating on the Delaware. In association with the national event produced by the Association of Marina Industries and Discover Boating, National Marina Day on the Delaware is designed to grow recreational boating on the Delaware River.

The event features a variety on land and on-water activities including:

-- Boat Parade – the flagship event open to all boaters;

-- Free Boat Rides on North Wind schooner;

-- U.S. Coast Guard free vessel safety checks;

-- “Coastie” the robot, the U.S. Coast Guard ambassador for boating & water safety;

-- Mid-Atlantic Youth Anglers fishing activities;

-- Meet with Delaware River marinas and yacht clubs;

-- Introduction to Boater Basics for new boaters; and

-- Food, music and fun for the entire family!

Penn’s Landing Marina will be the host location for most of the land and water activities for National Marina Day on the Delaware, and serving as the port for boat rides to Wiggin’s Park across the river.

“Welcome to the Water on National Marina Day is a great way to introduce people to boating and remind our existing customers and community that the Delaware River is the ideal local gateway to on-water fun,” said Monica Santoro, Marina Director at Penn’s Landing Marina.

Partners and sponsors of the event include: Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, Cooper’s Ferry Partnership, Delaware River Yacht League, Delaware River City Corp., U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Mid-Atlantic Youth Anglers, Tow Boat U.S., United States Power Squadron and SureShade.

“As Delaware River Ambassadors, as well as the owner and inventor of a marine business inspired by a lifetime of boating on the Delaware, we are proud to support this fantastic boating event and help showcase the boating lifestyle to our local community,” said Ron and Dana Russikoff, co-founders of SureShade retractable boat shade systems.

The main land and on-water activities for National Marina Day on the Delaware will start at 10:00 am at the docks of Penn’s Landing Marina. The boat parade begins at 4:00 pm with final judging for awards at approximately 7:00 pm. All proceeds from the boat parade benefit The Larc School for special education.

For more information, visit the Discover Boating On The Delaware website.

6/10/2013