Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed new executive order 2020-59, which extends her “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order through May 15. The new order also removes some restrictions on outdoor activities like motorized boating.

Leading up to the decision, the National Marine Manufacturers Association worked with members of Michigan’s congressional delegation, along with state level officials, to advocate for adding boating to the list of outdoor recreation activities allowed to continue within COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. Additionally, more than 1,000 Boating United advocates contacted Governor Whitmer in favor of lifting restrictions on motorized boating.

“Data shows that most Michiganders are doing their part by staying home and staying safe. That’s good, but we must keep it up. Social distancing is our best weapon to defeat this enemy,” said Governor Whitmer. “With new COVID-19 cases leveling off, however, we are lifting some of the restrictions put in place in the previous order.”