Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2023 - 44

Recap of 2022 Pennsylvania
Boating Fatalities
by Ryan C. Walt
Boating and Watercraft Safety Manager
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
T
he " Recap of 2022 Pennsylvania Boating
Fatalities " is a summary of all fatal recreational
boating accidents in the Commonwealth that
year. This recap is intended to provide information to
illustrate the importance of safe boating practices and
help improve boating safety in Pennsylvania.
1. 1 Fatality
Conestoga River, Lancaster County
4/24/22, 1:00 p.m., Sunday
A 74-year-old male is deceased as a result of a kayak
incident on the Conestoga River. The victim's wife
dropped him off earlier in the day to go kayaking and,
after a few hours, was no longer able to reach him by
cell phone. The victim was later found deceased in
the water. An initial investigation and consultation
with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) was
required before this incident was determined to meet
the USCG's reporting requirements. The victim was
not wearing a life jacket, however, there was one
onboard. The victim had not taken a formal boating
safety education course and was not familiar with the
area he was kayaking. The victim had several known
medical issues, which may have been a factor.
2. 1 Fatality
Swatara Creek, Dauphin County
5/4/22, 8:46 p.m., Wednesday
A 68-year-old male is deceased as a result of
falling overboard from a 14-foot open motorboat
while fishing on Swatara Creek. The victim was not
wearing a life jacket nor were there any life jackets
onboard. The victim had not taken a formal boating
safety education course. Alcohol use may have been
a factor.
3. 1 Fatality
Raystown Branch of the Juniata River, Bedford County
5/21/22, 2:00 p.m., Saturday
A 59-year-old male is deceased as a result of capsizing his
kayak on the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River. A group
of paddlers were navigating the waters when conditions
became turbulent and the victim's boat capsized. It is not
known if the victim had any formal boating safety education.
The victim was not wearing a life jacket, and there was no life
jacket onboard. Cold water immersion may have been a factor
in the victim's death.
4. 1 Fatality
Delaware River, Bucks County
5/22/22, 11:53 a.m., Sunday
A 38-year-old male is deceased as a result of capsizing his
8-foot kayak on the Delaware River. He was fishing with
his father on the Delaware River between Lumberville and
Washington Crossing. As the pair approached a dam, the
victim paddled river right searching for safe passage. The
current swept both paddlers over the dam, and the victim was
caught in the hydraulic boil and drowned. The victim was an
experienced paddler but had not taken a formal boating safety
education course. The victim was wearing a life jacket.
5. 1 Fatality
Howard Eaton Reservoir, Erie County
5/23/22, 2:00 p.m., Monday
An 80-year-old male is deceased as a result of falling
overboard from a 10-foot open motorboat on Howard
Eaton Reservoir. While fishing, the victim stood up in the
boat causing it to capsize. The victim and operator were
both wearing life jackets at the time of the incident. The
operator was transported to the hospital where he was treated
for hypothermia and later released. It is unknown if the
victim had any formal boating safety education. Cold water
immersion may have been a factor in the victim's death.
44
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater
fishandboat.com
http://www.fishandboat.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2023
