PA Fish and Boat Commission Advises Boaters not to Exceed Their Skill Level

Eight people have died in recreational boating incidents this year. Several occurred in high water following heavy rain events and some victims were not wearing life jackets. High water combined with not wearing life jackets is a recipe for disaster for boaters who underestimate the power of water. Disaster can also occur when boaters think they can handle moving water levels way above their paddling skill level. If a recent rain has occurred, or the water is higher than normal, honestly evaluate your skill level and make intelligent decisions to avoid getting in over your head.

Sudden immersion is one of the main reasons people drown. Even though it’s summertime, anytime a person is unexpectedly plunged into cool or cold water below 70ºF, the body’s first response is usually an involuntary gasp. This is something no one can control and ruins the ability to swim because the person hyperventilates. Not wearing a life jacket in this situation greatly reduces the chances of survival since a victim may inhale while under water and drown.

Water survival safety tips include:

• Always wear a life jacket.
• Never boat alone.
• Always check the weather and real-time river forecasts for potential high water.
• Leave a float plan with a responsible person and know the waters you plan to boat.
• Bring a fully-charged cell phone with you in case of emergency.
• If you capsize, stay with the boat. In calm water, get back into or on top of the boat-- if in moving water—make your way to shore floating with feet pointed downstream.