Memorial Day weekend is the traditional kickoff to boating season, but by the looks of it, a lot of Pennsylvanians have skipped tradition and are hitting the water early this year. This builds on the trend of renewed interest in outdoor recreation sparked last summer that is clearly continuing as people everywhere look to shake off their COVID cabin fever.
Which is why the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is especially pleased to join the National Safe Boating Council and partners across the Commonwealth and country in celebrating National Safe Boating Week from May 22-28.
This annual public awareness campaign is timed to coincide with when both new and experienced boaters are either taking to the water for the first time as the weather warms or are making the most of longer days to spend more time enjoying the pleasures of boating.
Whether you boat to fish, waterski, sail or simply relax and spend time with friends and family, please keep the following safety tips in mind every time you paddle, start the engine or unfurl the sails:
• Wear a life jacket.
Law requires that you have a lifejacket on board for every person on your boat. Children ages 12 and under must always wear a life jacket when aboard a boat less than 20 feet in length, including all canoes and kayaks. Life jackets must be U.S. Coast Guard approved and properly fit the individual, including children and infants.
About 80% of all boating fatalities occur annually because boaters were not wearing life jackets. There were 11 boating fatalities last year and have been three so far this year in the Commonwealth — none of whom were wearing a life jacket.
• Never boat under the influence (BUI).
Alcohol use increases the chances of having an accident. Alcohol affects balance, coordination and judgment. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. Just like operating a motor vehicle on the roadway, in Pennsylvania, a person operating a boat is over the legal limit if he or she has a blood alcohol concentration of point-zero-eight (0.08%) or higher.
BUI penalties include loss of boating privileges, significant fines, and imprisonment. Waterways conservation officers will be on patrol throughout the summer looking for impaired boaters.
• Create a float plan.
Let someone know where you are planning to boat and when you expect to return. Plans can change when you are having fun, and keeping someone aware of your location throughout the day can ensure that help arrives quickly if you experience a mechanical or medical emergency while on the water.
Carry a “dry bag” in which to keep your cell phone and other valuables while boating. The PFBC’s free mobile app FishBoatPA is a great place to find boating accesses nearby and across the state.
• Take a basic boating safety course.
In Pennsylvania, all boaters born on or after Jan. 1, 1982, who operate boats powered by motors greater than 25 horsepower must have a Boating Safety Certificate. A certificate is also required for anyone who operates a personal watercraft, regardless of age. Online courses can be completed at your own pace and found at www.fishandboat.com.
• Have proper registrations and launch permits.
In Pennsylvania, all powered boats must be registered. Anyone operating an unpowered boat, such as a kayak, canoe or standup paddleboard, who wishes to use a PFBC or Department of Conservation and Natural Resources boat access, including those at state parks, may either register their boat or purchase a launch permit.
Visit FishBoat PA or www.fishandboat.com for more information on registration and launch permits.
Thank you for boating safely this summer and all year long. The water is open to everyone and is waiting for you.
(Timothy D. Schaeffer is executive director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.)
