With summer just around the corner, the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) is encouraging kids and families to get outside during National Fishing and Boating Week, June 5 – 13. To help plan the perfect day on the water, RBFF is asking outdoor enthusiasts to visit TakeMeFishing.org to find local events, search for free fishing days and learn about the impact boaters and anglers have on the environment. With kids spending more and more time indoors, RBFF believes now is the perfect time to introduce them to nature.

According to a study done by the Kaiser Family Foundation, kids are absorbing more than seven hours of media content per day (10 hours when media multitasking), a number up from just five years ago. Not only are kids spending more time in front of screens, they are also coming up with more excuses not to go outside. According to the Outdoor Foundation, those excuses include a lack of time, the risk of danger and the high cost of participation.

"After looking at the research, we want to show kids that there are many easy and free activities available for them," said RBFF President & CEO Frank Peterson. "That's why we're encouraging families to get outside and connect with nature, starting with National Fishing and Boating Week. We hope to motivate everyone, young and old, to check out their local waterways and to give boating and fishing a try."

RBFF is encouraging anyone who wants to get out on the water, but doesn't know where to begin to visit TakeMeFishing.org to find a local event during National Fishing and Boating Week. New this year - 10 marinas across the country will offer anyone the opportunity to participate in boating and fishing demonstrations, educational activities, boat test drives and more. Boat.Fish.Live. At National Marina Day on Saturday, June 12 is the perfect event for those interested in boating and fishing to test out the waters.

National Fishing and Boating Week is also the perfect time to introduce a newcomer to boating and fishing, with free fishing days taking place in more than 35 states. During designated free fishing days, anglers can try their hand at fishing without purchasing a license.

"National Fishing and Boating Week isn't just a great opportunity to get back to nature, it's also a great opportunity to give back to nature," added Peterson. "Some of the most simple and even enjoyable activities can make a difference in local conservation efforts."

Take Me Fishingâ„¢, the boating and fishing communities' award-winning national campaign, helps boaters and anglers of all ages and experience levels learn, plan and equip for a day on the water. The campaign website, TakeMeFishing.org, features tips and how-to's that can be used all over the country, tools to compare different styles of boats, information on how to get a fishing license and an interactive state-by-state map that allows visitors to find the perfect boating and fishing spot by interest.

About RBFF RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation's aquatic natural resources. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishingâ„¢ campaign and Anglers' Legacyâ„¢.