Gentlemen Start Your BOAT Engines - Memorial Day Starts Boating Season

20 May 2000

    TORRANCE, Calif. - With Memorial Day Weekend the traditional start of the 
boating season, many of the more than 11 million water skiers and wake boarders 
will take to the lakes and rivers to enjoy their favorite sport.

    Toyota Marine, which makes the Epic line of ski and sportabout boats,
along with the U.S. Congress and the rest of the marine industry is promoting
May 22-26 as National Safe Boating Week to help ensure an enjoyable boating
experience.

    One of those 11 million water ski enthusiasts is Toyota Pro Skier Jaret
Llewellyn, the No. 1-ranked ski flier in the world.  On May 14, he set a jump
record when he soared 299 feet, farther than any skier has ever soared in
national competition.  This high-flying skier offers the following advice:

    "Skiing for the first time each year is often a bittersweet experience,"
says Llewellyn.  "Check your boat and gear before you head to the water.  When
you1re ready to launch isn't the time to discover the drain plug is missing or
that the battery needs charging."

    -- Check your equipment.  Make certain it's all in good shape and that the
       ski rope you thought was onboard hasn't been borrowed for another use.
    -- Make certain there's a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation
       device onboard for each passenger.  Marine dealers can provide a
       checklist of what safety and comfort items should be carried onboard.
    -- Don't overload your boat.  It's unsafe and the boat won't perform
       properly.
    -- Be a good neighbor when launching and retrieving.  Ramps are busy
       places, so load or unload your gear in the parking lot, not when you've
       backed the trailer in the water at the ramp.
    -- Even if you're familiar with a body of water, check with local
       officials first on the best places to go.  Some areas might be set
       aside for other use or ramps could be under construction.

    For more information on water skiing or wakeboarding and a free Toyota
boat brochure, write: Toyota Marine, Box 14390, Scottsdale, AZ 85267.