New Life Jacket regulation in PA

Beginning November 1, 2012, boaters will be required to wear life jackets on any boat less than 16 feet in length, including canoes and kayaks, during the cold weather months.  The change was approved by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.  It applies to the period from November 1st to April 30^th.

The change is intended to protect boaters from the dangers of cold water shock if they fall into the water. 

“While boating accidents are more frequent during the traditional summer season, the risk of an accident being fatal is significantly higher when the air and water temperatures are colder in late fall through spring,” said Laurel Anders, director of the Bureau of Boating and Access.  She continues, “Over the last 15 years, cold water incidents represented only eight percent of boating related accidents, but resulted in 24 percent of the fatalities.”

Captain Dick suggests that you don’t wait until 2012 to start following this law, - - - begin now!