I can't believe it. After countless APRA safety meetings regarding the golden rule of wearing life vests on the water, many poker runners are STILL not paying attention. Performance boating is an exciting pastime, yet there are known risks. Accidents can happen, people can get hurt and it can happen to YOU. What happens if someone falls overboard at speeds exceeding 80 mph? What happens if YOUR young child falls overboard at speeds exceeding 80 mph, or even 60 mph? How do we find you? It's simple. Wear a life vest. Let's face it. It's a situation nobody wants to experience and the use of life vests is the only way to prevent a horrible situation from becoming much, much worse. Does it take something bad to happen to a friend, partner or child to start wearing life vests? I have seen many positive reactions to the recent boating safety laws, but life vests are still not used as much as they should be. And unfortunately, it's those select few that create a bad name for the entire performance boating community. This is a pastime we all enjoy and to ensure safety, life vests must be worn by every passenger. The next time you're on a Poker Run, remind yourself, and others around you, to put on a flotation device - it just might be the best decision you ever made.

ON A MORE POSITIVE NOTE, host communities are beginning to realize the enormous tourism potential poker runs can bring to their region. In fact, over the course of our 1000 Islands Poker Run, we learned the Kingston Economical Development Corp. (KEDCO) used our event to entice key executives from approximately two dozen potential suitors to invest into the community. The results were nothing but positive for the city of Kingston and plans are already in the works for an unnamed company to build a 15,000-square-foot facility that will provide approximately 16 new jobs. This just goes to show that poker runs can also be used as an economical tool to attract business and strengthen local economies.

While the summer has faded for our northern readers, the poker run schedule is beginning to heat up in southern states. Our latest event, the Platinum Poker Run in Stuart, Florida, September 22-23, promises to set a new standard. Mix this "creme de la creme" event with the Suncoast Poker Run Season Finale in Sarasota, October 6-7, and you can literally take your choice from a wide menu of selections that include luxury resort accommodations, exotic locations, gourmet cuisine plus events that focus on the most popular destinations and family-oriented fare.

Whatever your preference, organized poker runs are gaining ground as they achieve new levels of professionalism, focusing on safety and the enjoyment of the performance boating lifestyle. So sit back for an hour, and power up with this issue of Poker Runs America - it's the next best thing to a day on the water!

William E. Taylor, Publisher

(Feature Article: Poker Runs Are Here To Stay)