Peace Valley Park's Lake Galenda (Credit: Bucks County)
As the colder months approach, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is reminding boaters, anglers, and hunters of the annual life jacket requirement now in effect.
From November 1 through April 30, anyone aboard a boat less than 16 feet long or on any kayak, canoe, or paddleboard is required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while the vessel is underway or at anchor. The rule applies to all waters in Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Ryan Walt, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s boating and watercraft safety manager, noted the importance of this regulation.
“Outdoor opportunities are still plentiful during the fall and winter seasons, and many people are still enjoying the water, whether paddling, fishing, waterfowl hunting, or taking a scenic foliage tour,” said Walt.
Cold-water shock can occur suddenly when a person falls into cold water, leading to an involuntary gasp that may result in drowning.
“Boaters should be aware that water temperatures begin to drop rapidly at this time of year, and even on sunny days when air temperatures are comfortable and warm, the water is already cold enough to cause cold water shock, hypothermia, and put your life at risk. A life jacket can keep your head above water until help arrives,” Walt added.
State reports indicate that nearly 80 percent of all boating deaths involved individuals not wearing life jackets. However, since the introduction of the mandatory life jacket law in 2012, there has been a roughly 50 percent decrease in the rate of boating fatalities during the cold weather months.
The commission also advises ice anglers to wear life jackets throughout the winter season to protect against falls through the ice, which can quickly turn fatal.
