For Release: September 20, 1999

Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Law Enforcement has scheduled public meetings in Westerly and Coventry concerning the use of jet skis. The meeting in Westerly will be held Thursday, September 30 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Westerly Town Hall, located at 45 Broad Street. The Coventry meeting will be held Thursday, October 7 at 7 p.m. at Coventry Town Hall, located at 1670 Flat River Road.

The meetings are part of a series of public meetings DEM is holding throughout the state to solicit public comments about the use of personal watercraft. They are designed to help DEM determine the nature and extent of existing problems and, if appropriate, to help guide the formulation of appropriate responses. The first meeting took place September 13 in Narragansett, and drew more than 50 residents.

Throughout the boating season, DEM receives numerous complaints about jet skis concerning noise levels, reckless operation of the craft, pollution, and the effects jet skis have on wildlife and boaters. Questions have also been raised concerning the use of jet skis in areas where traditional powerboats do not operate.

Future meetings will be scheduled in the following regions of the state: Aquidneck Island, the East Bay area, Warwick-East Greenwich, and in Northern Rhode Island.

For further information, contact DEM's Division of Law Enforcement at 222-2284.