Friday wrap: Fishing and boating, the musical

Titled Get On Board, the song is the collaborative effort between advocacy groups including the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas.

Already being talked up as the “song of the summer”, the lyrics include the lines: “Grab the sunshine, it’s a short line, it’s a good life, get on board, get on board!”

The three US marine heavyweights launched a campaign several months ago “to help more Americans experience the restorative health and wellness benefits of boating and fishing while social distancing”.

“Many Americans are looking for ways to get outdoors safely this summer,” Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation chief executive Frank Peterson said. "What’s more, research reveals fishing and boating have proven health benefits.

“As our industry looks to regain its footing during the global pandemic, uniting around a campaign that conveys the ability of boating and fishing to provide stress relief, a vacation close to home, and the ability to connect with loved ones, is a message that’s needed more than ever.”

Get On Board opens up with a catchy beat and the lines “Come on babe, let’s go outside and take the boat out for a ride, I’m ready, I don’t want to wait,” suggesting it is aimed more at encouraging partners to get lazy blokes up off the couch and onto the water.

Watch out, it's a pretty catchy tune.

NSW has announced yet another concentrated campaign on boating safety that will kick off from this weekend, all aimed at saving more lives on the water.

Describing it as a “tough crackdown”, NSW Maritime said fines would be handed out by NSW Maritime boating safety officers Water Police “for failing to wear or carry lifejackets, speeding, unsafe towing activities and personal watercraft infringements” – pretty much what they do already.

Another recent release from Maritime NSW suggests authorities also will be enforcing lifejacket maintenance; if you haven’t already performed a six-monthly service on yours, here is our guide to getting the job done.

Melburnians suffering under the strictest COVID-19 lockdown Australia has ever experienced have been encouraged to whack their money down on a new boat ahead of what’s expected to be a mad rush to the water once restrictions lift.

The reason? The anticipation of one of the best snapper seasons in years after the bay takes what is in effect a six-month break from recreational fishing – like now, it also was banned under the state's first COVID-19 lockdown earlier in the year.

Melbourne-based alloy boat builder Bar Crusher has encouraged buyers to “make a move or miss out” if they want to hit the water in a new ride.

“Snapper season will be in full swing by the time many of us can go fishing again, so if you want to get into a new Bar Crusher by November, you better act now,” it warned.