2014 Progressive Insurance Tampa Boat Show Introduces Boat School, Offers Lessons on the Water to Encourage Safe Boating
Novice boaters, seasoned anglers can attend interactive educational seminars September 5-7
WHAT:
The region's largest boating event returns to the Tampa Bay Convention Center September 5-7. This year, in addition to shopping hundreds of boats, attendees at the 2014 Progressive Insurance Tampa Boat Show have access to more educational opportunities than ever before. Classes and workshops will be offered in a variety of settings, from power boating lessons in Tampa Bay to interactive courses in a classroom-type setting with an indoor pool and boating simulator.
Discover Boating Hands-On Skills Training gets new and experienced boaters on the water with one-hour and three-hour boating lessons in Tampa Bay. Taught by USCG-licensed captains who are also certified professional instructors, these workshops cover topics ranging from the boating basics and docking to anchoring and open-water boat handling.
New to the show this year is the Progressive Boat School which teaches attendees the fundamentals of boating safety while having fun. Classes, which feature pool demos and simulations, are led by top-notch mariners from the Annapolis School of Seamanship and cover an array of courses including general boating safety seminars, proper docking procedures, a boating simulator experience, and tips and tricks to help ensure boaters' safety on the water.
"An educated boater is a safe boater, and our goal at the Progressive Insurance Tampa Boat Show is to arm boaters with the knowledge needed to boat confidently and enjoy a lifetime on the water with family and friends," said Larry Berryman, show manager, Progressive Insurance Tampa Boat Show. "This year, we have several enhanced educational areas designed to take some of the pressure off new boaters and allow seasoned Captains to polish their skills."
In addition to the Progressive Boat School and on-the-water boat training, there are complimentary daily DIY maintenance seminars at Fred's Shed Interactive Learning Center, fishing seminars, and more.
VISUALS:
Progressive Boat School will be held inside a boat replica, built on the convention showroom floor, featuring an indoor pool for instructional demos and a boating simulator.
Reporters can take the helm during on-the-water boat training, showing how to dock, drive a boat, anchor, etc.
Media can get their hands dirty while learning how to save money on boat maintenance including oil changes, changing a water pump, etc.
WHEN:
Move-In: September 2-4
Show open to public: Sept. 5-7, 2014
Friday: 10:00am-8:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am-8:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am-6:00pm
Note: In-water area closes at sunset
WHERE:
Tampa Convention Center
333 South Franklin St.
Tampa, FL 33602
MEDIA:
Convention center access, photos and interviews are available by request to Megan Licursi (813-727-3505; megan@licursi.net). Register for press credentials here.
WEB:
Visit TampaBoatShow.com; Twitter, Facebook and Instagram - #TampaBoatShow
About the Tampa Boat Show: The 49th annual Tampa Boat Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world's largest producer of boat shows and the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information, visit www.nmma.org.
About Progressive: The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies is a leader in boat insurance and the largest seller of personal watercraft insurance in the U.S. It offers flexible, year-round coverage so boaters can go wherever they choose, whenever they choose and have peace of mind they're protected. Specialty coverages which vary by state include On-Water Towing, Roadside Assistance, Personal Effects, Total Loss Replacement, and Pet Injury.
Contact: Megan Licursi
813-727-3505
megan@licursi.net
www.tampaboatshow.com
Brenda DiFede
813.857.8501
Brenda@licursi.net
