As Labor Day weekend approaches, marking the unofficial end of summer for many Pennsylvanians, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have come together to promote safe boating practices. In a press conference held Thursday at Blue Marsh Lake, law enforcement officials, state representatives, and safety specialists gathered to remind boaters of the importance of staying safe on the water during this busy holiday weekend.
Mike Parker, Communications Director for the PFBC, kicked off the event by highlighting the importance of safe boating as the summer season draws to a close. “Across the Commonwealth, we have enjoyed seeing hundreds of thousands of boaters on the water this summer having a great time with family and friends. Now, we want to make sure we finish strong and continue to make smart decisions on the water this weekend,” Parker stated.
Waterways Conservation Officer Shane Casey emphasized the life-saving impact of wearing life jackets. “The number one thing you can do to stay safe on the water is wear your life jacket,” Casey urged. He noted that this year, ten people have lost their lives while boating in Pennsylvania, with seven of those victims not wearing life jackets. He added, “Ask yourself if you’d be willing to take that same chance—or allow your friends and loved ones to take that chance—when you head out boating this summer.”
Jeffrey Piscanio, Park Manager at Blue Marsh Lake with the USACE, warned against the dangers of boating under the influence. “Impaired boating increases the chance for an accident,” Piscanio stated, reminding attendees that alcohol is prohibited at Blue Marsh Lake, both on land and water. “Just like operating a motor vehicle on the roadway, in Pennsylvania, a person operating a boat is over the legal limit if he or she has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher,” he explained.
Adam Spangler, Boating and Watercraft Safety Specialist with the PFBC, encouraged boaters to always have a float plan, especially when exploring new waters. “This simply means sending a text or writing a note to let someone know where you are planning to boat and when you expect to return,” Spangler advised. He also recommended mapping out locations where boaters can safely get out of the water in case of an emergency.
State Representative Barry Jozwiak stressed the importance of checking the weather forecast before and during any boating trip. “Here in Pennsylvania, blue skies and sunshine can turn into nasty weather very quickly,” Jozwiak said. He warned that summer storms can lead to rapidly rising water levels and hidden obstacles that could cause accidents. “Build extra time into your plans so you don’t end up unprepared, or on unfamiliar water, at night,” he added.
In closing, Mike Parker urged boaters to take advantage of the PFBC’s online resources. “Visit our website, Fishandboat.com, and download our Fish Boat PA mobile app,” Parker said. These tools provide access to online boating safety courses, license renewals, and information on the best fishing and boating spots across the state.
“We’d like to wish everyone a safe and fun Labor Day holiday weekend,” Parker concluded.
For more information about Blue Marsh Lake, visitors are encouraged to check out their Facebook page.
