State Parks Presents Public Service Award to Brookfield Renewable Power for Safe Boating Efforts

Hydropower Producer Promotes Boating Safety and Life Jacket Use as Part of the National "Wear It!" Campaign


NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - January 20, 2011) - The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation presented Brookfield Renewable Power with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASLBA) Public Service award for its efforts to encourage safe boating practices.

"Nearly 90 percent of people involved in recreational boating fatalities in the Northeast were not wearing a life jacket," said Brian Kempf, New York State Boating Law Administrator. "Brookfield Renewable Power deserves this recognition for their proactive efforts to remind boaters that a life jacket can save your life -- but only if you wear it."

Kempf noted that Brookfield Renewable Power has partnered with New York State to create and fund public service announcements spreading the word about boating safety. The partnership included collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Safe Boating Council on the 2010 'Wear It New York!' life jacket campaign. Brookfield, which owns and operates 75 hydropower facilities and 50 riverfront recreation areas in New York State, helped 'Wear It New York!' by placing information about life jackets at their launch sites as well as sponsoring numerous magazines, newspapers and radio ads throughout the state. More than 5,400 radio spots were aired with 127 stations participating.

For more information about boating safety and marine recreation in New York State, visit www.nysparks.com.

About the National Safe Boating Council

The National Safe Boating Council represents over 330 U.S. and Canadian organizations committed to reducing boating accidents and enhancing the boating experience. Visit www.SafeBoatingCouncil.org for safe boating resources and campaign materials.

Contact Information:

Contact:
Eileen Larrabee
Dan Keefe
(518) 486-1868