International Water Ski Federation
Environmental Handbook for Towed Water Sports

 


 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(Click on Headings)

PART A      INTRODUCTION

PART B     WATER SKIING, BOATING AND THE ENVIRONMENT

PART C     PRACTICAL STEPS TO ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE
                    WATER   SKIING AND BOATING


PART D      RECOMMENDED BEST PRACTICES FOR CLUB/MARINA OPERATORS

APPENDICES
    A -- Types Of Pollutants And Their Impacts

    B –  Marine Engines

    C – Code of Practice

    D – Waste Management    

    E – Clean Boating Policy

    F – Reference and Resources

 

NOTE:  To download this document in Adobe Acrobat format, right click on the following link and save as:

IWSFEnviron.pdf (1.2 Mb)


FOREWORD

 In 1993 a literature review on water skiing and the environment was published.  It was produced as the comprehensive collection, summary and analysis of research into water skiing's interaction with the natural environment.

It was an independent assessment of the research by the UK Centre for Economic and Environmental Department (UK CEED), of Cambridge, England, and the publication was supported by the UK Sports Council.

Now, some six years on it is being taken a stage further by Green & Gold Inc. who nationally and internationally specialise in environmental matters and research in the sport, recreation and tourism industries.

This Environmental Handbook and Guide to understanding and addressing environmental issues and water skiing is produced by them under contract to the IWSF from their own studies, research and concerns for the environment.   The International Water Ski Federation, (the IWSF), has been happy to co-operate and provide Green & Gold Inc. access to our environmental library.

The IWSF believes that the two publications illustrate clearly that water skiing can exist with today's, and indeed tomorrow's, environmental standards of performance.

The IWSF encourages everyone involved, manufacturers of boats and equipment, water site owners, public authorities and all those who are physically involved in water skiing and wakeboarding to read the Guide, follow it and enjoy their sport.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The International Water Ski Federation and Green & Gold Inc. would like to thank all those who contributed to this Handbook, including the members of the IWSF Environment Committee.

A special thanks goes to the Ontario Marina Operators Association for granting us permission to use sections of their "Clean Marine Practices Handbook" -- notably the sections on dock management, pollutants and the Clean Marine Policy.

Other thanks go to the many individuals, organisations and company representatives who took the time to answer e-mail, phone interviews, surveys and questions throughout the research phase of this project. In particular, the United States Environmental Protection Agency was a valuable source of research information on off-road engines and scientific studies. Thanks also to OMC (the Outboard Marine Corporation) for the latest information on cleaner engine developments.