Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2021 - 4

Boat Safely
This Summer
by Timothy D. Schaeffer
Executive Director
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
The images inside the front cover of this issue of Pennsylvania
Angler & Boater remind all readers to make it a safe day on the
water by wearing your life jacket.
Memorial Day weekend was the traditional kick off to boating
season, but a lot of Pennsylvanians skipped tradition and hit the
water early this year. That phenomenon this spring, built on the
trend of renewed interest in outdoor recreation sparked last year,
is clearly continuing this summer as people everywhere look to
shake off their COVID-19 cabin fever.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) was
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, during which we
rolled out a series of safety messages that apply all year long.
This annual public awareness campaign coincides with
the time of year when both new and experienced boaters are
taking to the water as the weather warms and are making the
most of longer days to spend more time enjoying the pleasures
of boating.
Even if you are reading this article closer to the Fourth of July
or Labor Day than to Memorial Day, the themes of National Safe
Boating Week are just as relevant.
Whether you boat to fish, water ski, 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 life jacket 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 United
States 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 in 2020 in the Commonwealth-
none of whom were wearing a life jacket. Wear It, Pennsylvania!
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
4
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * July/August 2021
Commissioner Rick Kauffman and Bureau of Boating Director
Laurel Anders help celebrate the reopening of Five Locks Access,
Berks County, at a ribbon cutting ceremony held in conjunction
with the kick off to National Safe Boating Week. WCO Mark Pisko
is pictured at the left.
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 percent (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 Fish Boat PA is a
great place to find boating accesses nearby and across the state.
Take a boating safety course
In Pennsylvania, all boaters born on or after January 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 (such as a Jet Ski™), regardless of age.
Online courses can be found at www.fishandboat.com and
completed at your own pace.
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 Pennsylvania
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources boat access,
including those at state parks, may either register their boat or
purchase a launch permit. Visit www.fishandboat.com for more
information on registration and launch permits.
Thank you for boating safely in 2021 and all year long. The
water is open to everyone and is waiting for you!
www.fishandboat.com
photo-Mike Parker
http://www.fishandboat.com http://www.fishandboat.com http://www.fishandboat.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2021

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