Special to the News-Herald

From Oct. 22-29, the Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach will play host to the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and their 44th annual convention. The association represents the boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories.

According to the national Web site, &uot;NASBLA is working to achieve seamless uniformity for boating laws from state-to-state, and our goal is to assure enjoyment of the waters for all boaters. We do this by encouraging reciprocity of boating laws, and by establishing standards for boating safety education and boating law enforcement practices.

The typical boating officer or on-water authority is often called upon to assist boaters rather than to control them, and we are working with diligence to promote an understanding that boating can be a safe, fun, family experience as long as everyone follows the safety rules.&uot;

What is the purpose of this year’s conference? Here are a few of the seminars:

— The Changing Face and Pace of Recreation and Recreational Boating.

— The politics of land and waterway use.

— &uot;Shoring Up&uot; the Boating Infrastructure.

Outlooks on Watercraft and Water Sports and The Future of Recreational Boating.

Why is this forum, and the actions and decisions which result important to the News-Herald’s readership?

With the goal of making America’s waterways more safe the NASBLA has its work cut out for it. For example, t here has been a dramatic increase in the numbers of boaters and registered boats all over the country, along inland rivers and on lakes.

Everyone loves the water, so it is naturally becoming more congestive.

The NASBLA national convention – good for America’s recreational boating public. Until next week – Boat Safe…and Boat Smart!

Joe DiRenzo III is a resident of Suffolk and a regular News-Herald columnist.