Ride Dry, Drive Dry was founded by Mark Watts, a competitive waterskier and former owner of one of the largest Mastercraft Dealerships in Central Florida. His dealership was named one of the top 100 by Boating Industry Magazine eight years in a row. In 1996, he was involved in a major boating crash resulting in numerous injuries and even a death. Mark had to undergo several surgeries but is alive to tell his story today. He founded Ride Dry, Drive Dry in 2014 to advocate a message of sobriety while operating boats and participating in water sport activities.
The U.S. Coast Guard reported over four thousand boating accidents each year in 2015 and 2016. In both years, over six hundred fatalities occurred as a result and the leading contributing factor was alcohol. Boating is a fun a experience to be shared with friends and family alike but operating your vessel sober is key to keeping the experience pleasurable and safe.
Mark has recently been working with several pro water sports athletes to release public service announcements in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard regarding boating safety and sober vessel operation. This video is a P.S.A. from Wakesurf Orlando's team rider, Sean Silveira advocating a simple message, "Have a safe time but a fun time".
For more information about Ride Dry, Drive Dry, check out their website at http://ridedrydrivedry.com.
