With the busy summer boating season about to begin, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is joining with the National Safe Boating Council and other boating safety advocates across the country to celebrate National Safe Boating Week from May 21-27.
This year, along with reminding boaters to follow a checklist of basic safety guidelines, including wearing a life jacket, the commission will host safe boating expos on some popular waterways and present virtual expo content on its website and social media channels.
"With beautiful lakes, rivers, and streams in every corner of the state, Pennsylvania offers endless boating opportunities that really kick into high gear as the summer season approaches," said Laurel Anders, director of the Bureau of Boating. "Whether you enjoy paddling, waterskiing, fishing in your favorite spot, or just relaxing on a pontoon boat, National Safe Boating Week is a reminder that each adventure out on the water should begin by following a few basic steps to ensure a fun time while staying safe."
To enjoy boating safely this season, boaters are reminded of the following. Always wear a life jacket and never boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs. BUI (Boating Under the Influence) is a thing and Waterways Conservation Officers and Coast Guard officials are on the lookout for violators.
Have a float plan to let someone know when and where you will be boating and check the weather forecast for storms and high-water conditions. Lakes like Pymatuning and Erie can have bad weather come up quickly.
Also, take a basic boating safety course and have proper registrations, launch permits and safety equipment onboard. All watercraft using an improved launch or on state or federal property must be registered. Anyone operating a personal watercraft must have completed a basic boating safety course.
Waterways Conservation Officer Jeremy Allen covers Beaver County and deals with all manners of boating issues including boaters exceeding no-wake zones.
“Probably my biggest complaint during the summer is wake from boats and the damage it could cause to docks and other boats. This is the reason for slow, no-wake regulations. The boat operator making the wake can be responsible for the damage caused,” said Allen.
I talked with Assistant Park Manager Krystal Gwynn at Raccoon Creek State Park and while no specific boating infractions stand out, she urges everyone to follow the rules for their safety and the safety of their passengers.
“Boaters need to wear their life jackets, review boating regulations and make sure their registration is up to date,” said Wynn. “Launch permits are available at the park office or through the Fish and Boat Commission’s website.”
Gwynn also added that innertubes and other floatation devices are only permitted in the swimming area which is projected to open on the Friday of the Memorial Day weekend.
At Bradys Run Lake, the most common complaints the office hears are boaters not having a county registration sticker and anglers fishing in the mooring area.
Being this is a county-owned lake, a $10 registration is required to launch a boat on the lake. Those permits are available at the Ice Arena. The other problem occurs when anglers set up along the concrete mooring area to the right of the launch. This area is clearly marked “no fishing” so boaters may tie up their boat while they move their vehicle to the parking area.
The closest Safe Boating Expo will be held in Erie County on Sunday, May 22, at 10 a.m. at the Walnut Creek Marina.
The commission will also feature virtual expo content on its website and social media platforms throughout National Safe Boating Week. How-to videos, boating safety testimonials, podcasts, and public service announcements will be available. Visit the National Safe Boating Week page on the commission’s website for virtual expo content and a full schedule of activities.
Mike Barcaskey can be reached at mikebarcaskey@outlook.com.