Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2020 - 4

photo-Andy Desko

Wear It!
by Timothy D. Schaeffer

Executive Director
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission
The calendar may read that we are nearing the
traditional end of summer; but, as we all know, 2020 has
been far from a traditional year.
With warm temperatures likely to continue well into
the autumn months, there will be plenty of opportunities
left to enjoy the 2020 Pennsylvania boating season after
Labor Day. As more and more traditional fall activities are
canceled in response to COVID-19, experienced and firsttime boaters will likely be spending more time than ever
on the water this fall as they turn to our ponds, lakes, and
flowing waters for recreation, exercise, and affordable fun.
If there is one silver lining to the past 5 months, it is
that countless people of all ages have either discovered
or rediscovered the joys of fishing, boating, and other
outdoor activities.
That sure happened this summer. It was hard to go
anywhere without seeing brightly colored kayaks and
canoes on the tops of cars (including my own) or on local
waterways. There were reports from across Pennsylvania
about retailers who had trouble keeping boats of different
shapes, sizes, and styles in stock as unprecedented demand
at times outpaced supply.
For everyone connecting with Pennsylvania waters,
there is one overwhelmingly important message that
applies year-round and to seasoned and novice boaters
alike-wear your life jacket.
If you take to the water during the remaining days of
summer or this fall when you may have normally been at
a high school or college sporting event or a fall festival,
please wear your life
jacket. As of this writing,
there have been nine
recreational boating
fatalities in Pennsylvania
in 2020, and none of
them were wearing a life
jacket. That sobering
fact is even more stark
than the typical year in
which 80% of boating
fatality victims were not
wearing a life jacket.
National Safe Boating Council
Law requires that
you have a life jacket on

board for every person on your boat. Children ages 12 and
under are required to wear a life jacket at all times when
aboard a boat less than 20 feet long including all canoes
and kayaks. Life jackets must properly fit the individual.
While it may not feel like it now, cooler weather will be
here before too long. From November 1 through April 30,
everyone-regardless of age-must wear a life jacket while
underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length
or any canoe or kayak.
Fall in Pennsylvania can also bring the threat of
thunderstorms and major rain events in the second
half of hurricane season, so monitor the local weather
forecast. Heavy rains can lead to immediate flash flooding
and cause water to rise to unsafe levels for several days
following a storm. If there is any question about the safety
of your boating trip due to weather, please do not go.
There will be plenty of other opportunities, and it is simply
not worth taking an unnecessary risk.
As masks became commonplace throughout the past
several months, we have all heard the refrain, "My mask
protects you, and your mask protects me." Well, something
similar can be said for life jackets.
It is obvious that my life jacket protects me, and your
life jacket protects you. What may be less apparent is that
someone else's life jacket protects you from the heartbreak
that comes with hearing about a tragedy happening to
them, because they were not wearing a life jacket. And,
your life jacket protects passing boaters and the first
responders who come to render aid by keeping you afloat
and giving them time and the opportunity to save you if
you run into trouble.
Pennsylvania Anger & Boater readers are accustomed
to receiving great tips and advice for improving their
fishing and boating adventures. As you continue to take
to the water throughout the remainder of 2020, consider
sharing this most important piece of advice with your
loved ones and others with whom you share the water-
Wear It!

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * September/October 2020

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http://www.fishandboat.com

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2020

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