Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - 56

CURRENTS
Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement
When sunny days and
fall foliage tempt the boater
in you, don't forget about
your life jacket, especially
if you are planning to
use a canoe, kayak or
similar small boat. The
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat
Commission (PFBC) is
reminding boaters that
beginning November 1 and
lasting through April 30, they are required to wear a life
jacket while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16
feet in length or on any canoe or kayak. The requirement
applies to all Pennsylvania waters.
"Life jackets are the most important piece of safety
equipment on a boat," said Laurel Anders, director
of PFBC Bureau of Boating & Outreach. "According
to Pennsylvania's boating accident reports, almost 80
percent of all boating fatalities happen to boaters not
wearing a life jacket. A disproportionate number of the
fatalities occur during the months of November through
April. During these cold weather months, boaters
are especially at risk due to the water
temperature and the risk of sudden cold
water immersion."
When a person is unexpectedly
plunged into cold water below 70-degrees
F, the body's first response is usually an
involuntary gasp. Without a life jacket, a
victim may inhale while under water and
drown without coming back to the surface.
If an individual does make it back to the
surface, his or her ability to swim is usually
restricted because of a shortness of breath
or hyperventilation.
Individuals who plan to fish, boat
or hunt from a boat this winter are
encouraged to follow these cold water
survival safety tips:
* Always wear a life jacket, even when not required.
Many models also offer insulation from cold air.
Read the life jacket's approval label to be sure it's
appropriate for your boating activity.
* Never boat alone.
* Leave a float plan with family or friends and know
the waters you plan to boat.
* Bring a fully charged cell phone with you in case
of emergency.
* Wear clothing that still insulates when wet, such as
fleece, polypropylene or other synthetics.
* If you are about to fall into cold water, cover your
mouth and nose with your hands. This will reduce
the likelihood of inhaling water.

* If possible, stay with the boat. Get back into or climb
on top of the boat.
* While in cold water, do not remove your clothing.
* If you can't get out of the water, get into the Heat
Escape Lessening Posture (HELP). In this position,
individuals bring their knees to their chest and
hug them with their arms.
* Once out of the water, remove wet clothes and warm
up as soon as possible.
* Seek medical attention when necessary. Some effects
of exposure to cold temperatures can be delayed.
To learn more about life jacket wear and cold water
survival, visit:
* PFBC's website:
www.fishandboat.com/safety.htm and
www.wearitpennsylvania.com
* Safe Boating Campaigns website:
www.safeboatingcampaign.com/new-jacketpages/angling-hunting-jackets.htm
* Cold Weather Mandatory Life Jacket Wear video:
www.fishandboat.com/wear-it.htm
For more information about fishing and boating in
Pennsylvania, visit our website at www.fishandboat.com.

PENNSYLVANIA!

56

Laurel Anders

Director, Bureau of Boating & Outreach
PA Fish & Boat Commission
For a special video message on mandatory life jacket wear, visit
www.WearItPennsylvania.com.

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * January/February 2015

PFBC Facebook: PaFishandBoat

http://www.fishandboat.com/safety.htm http://www.wearitpennsylvania.com http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com/new-jacket-pages/angling-hunting-jackets.htm http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com/new-jacket-pages/angling-hunting-jackets.htm http://www.fishandboat.com/wear-it.htm http://www.fishandboat.com http://www.WearItPennsylvania.com http://www.fishandboat.com http://www.WearItPennsylvania.com http://www.WearItPennsylvania.com

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015

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