Used Pontoon Boats - Boating in Pennsylvania
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from NAW and Used Pontoon Boats. Boating in Pennsylvania can be lots of fun, but learning how to safely boat is a serious matter, according to Fish and Boat Commission officials and others who are knowledgeable in the recreational activity.
Boating in Pennsylvania - Too many accidents
In 2007, 65 accidents were reported on state waters and 10 of those resulted in 11 fatalities, according to Dan Martin, director of boating and access for the state Fish and Boat Commission.
“Last year was a fairly typical year in terms of numbers,” he said.
“From 1998 to 2007, we had a total of 125 fatalities, for an average of 12.5 per year,” Martin added. “Of those accidents, 64 involved unpowered boats (and) 61, powered boats.” Of the unpowered boating accidents, 35 involved canoes; 10, rowboats; 12, kayaks; three, sailboats; and one, a paddleboat.
National Safe Boating Week is May 17 through 23, and the state commission is promoting safe boating practices on its Web site. Topics therein provide information on the state’s boating manual and safety awareness, including the dangers of drinking and boating, how to read navigation signs and how to deal with cold water immersion, carbon monoxide and other hazards on the water.
Boating in Pennsylvania - Attend a safety course
The state commission requires boaters of a certain age take and pass a boating safety course before operating a registered boat. According to the Pennsylvania Boating Handbook, which summarizes boating regulations, there are no age restrictions for operators of powered boats from zero to 25 horsepower.
But, no one 11 years of age or younger may operate boats rated at greater than 25 horsepower. People born after Jan. 1, 1982, may not operate those boats unless they have completed a boating safety course and have in their possession a Boating Safety Education Certificate.
According to boating safety instructor Jay Livziey, all first-time boaters should all take a safety course.
“First-time boaters should practice with an experienced boater and take a boating safety course,” Livziey said. “Many boating safety instructors will be happy to help you with your first boating experience. A lot of it is trial and error.”
He said the Red Cross also teaches a sailing course as well. Livziey conducts a boating safety education course several times per year.
Included in such courses are instructions on how to deal with less than ideal weather, water conditions, personal floatation devices and how to put them on in water and how to survive if your boat should capsize.
“I also recommend taking a First Aid course, because you never know,” Livziey said.
Docking Your Boat - Practice important
He also said practicing how to get out of and back into the dock is important as well.
“Practice before you go out,” Livziey said. “Practice taking it in and our of a slip, or the dock, with an experienced boater so you can learn to do it right.” He said boaters should practice control of the boat in forward and reverse. Speed can be extraordinarily dangerous on the water.
“One thing some people do is they get a boat and they want to see how fast it can go and that can invite disaster, especially with inexperienced drivers,” he said. “There are no road lines to follow and no red lights. You have to be very careful when boating because sometimes, the other person is not.” Driving slow, especially at night is advised.
“It takes time to stop a boat,” Livziey said. “Some people try to speed when visibility is very poor, during rain storms or at night, when you can’t see more than 25 to 30 feet ahead of your boat.” In foggy conditions, ringing a bell or blowing a whistle or horn is advised, to notify other boaters that you are in the area. A whistle must be on board a boat at all times, Livziey pointed out. At night, lights are required on boats of all sizes.
Pontoon Boats popular
According to Chad Hall, owner of Hall’s Marine, near Muncy, smaller boats seem to be more popular. “In this area, fishing boats from the V-bottoms up to the 17-foot and any kind of pontoon boat are particularly popular right now,” he said. “Mostly the pontoon boats and fishing boats under 17 feet long are running in the river and the lakes around the region.”
He said sales in those types are steady, especially now, with people planning fishing trips. Hall said his business offers a safety kit with each boat sale. The kit includes life vests for all who will be on board, an anchor, a paddle, a fire extinguisher and a throwable life preserver. He also recommends that boaters take the safety courses offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary in the region.
Anchors Away
Anchoring also must be mastered, according to Livziey, who said an anchor, properly deployed, will keep a boat in place. “Practice putting an anchor in and retrieving it,” Livziey said. “Most people don’t know how to anchor unless they take a boating safety course.” The key to proper anchoring, is the 7 to 1 ratio, he said.
“If you drop the anchor in 7 feet of water, with three feet of freeboard, that is 10 feet, multiply that by seven,” he said. “That means in that case you want 70 feet of rope out to the anchor.” That is in calm anchoring conditions. In swift currents or high winds, the ratio increases to 10 to 1. With enough line out, an anchor can “bite” into the lake or river bed and hold the craft it is attached to in its place.
Boat Navigation aids
Boating buoys placed on many bodies of water will have symbols warning boaters of potential dangers. For example, a diamond symbol warns of danger ahead, and a diamond with a cross on it means “keep out”. A circle on a buoy indicates boating restrictions are in effect in the area and square or rectangles contain instructions.
Buoys with red and white vertical markings are known as safe water markers or mid-channel buoys, showing boaters where the navigable waters are in a channel. Other buoys have other meanings and boaters need to know what they mean to help them operate their boat safely.
Other Boating hazards
Dangers of other kinds lurk in the water, according to Livziey. “Low head dams, like the Hepburn Street Dam, are drowning machines,” he said. “Boaters are not allowed within 300 yards above or below a dam.”
The boil of water near a dam churns the water and even a seemingly small dam can kill by holding an unfortunate boater or swimmer under the water for a long time. “No Olympic swimmer can swim out of a boil that is just one yard high,” he said. “The best way to protect yourself is to stay far away from them.”
If a boater’s craft stalls, knowing how to paddle becomes crucial, especially if you may drift toward a dam.
“Practice paddling so if your engine stops, you can get to shore,” Livziey said.
Knowing your boat and watching gauges, especially charging and fuel gauges can help boaters avoid becoming stranded on the water. “If you capsize, stay with your boat and try to get back inside in or climb onto it,” Livziey said. “Or if you a with someone, climb onto either side and hold hands. your survival time increases if you get out of the water. By staying with your boat, it will make you look bigger. “People might not see your little head sticking out of the water.”
Swimming in cold water
“So many people in cold water make the mistake to try to swim to shore,” Livziey said. “But they stiffen up and they don’t make it. In cold water, if people were all wearing life vests, 70 percent of people who drown could still be living. “Cold water kills.” He also recommends people learn how to put on a PFD while in the water. “Practice throwing your seat cushion or ring buoy, too.”
The Fish and Boat Commission also recommends people learn about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from motorboats and advises against being towed close behind a moving boat, especially from swim platforms, where lethal fumes can build up.
Be safe, be smart and enjoy Boating in Pennsylvania will be lots of fun. Thanks to ERIC LONG, sungazette.com
Pennsylvania Boating - More Information
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Home Page
The mission of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is to provide fishing and boating opportunities through the protection and management of aquatic …
Periodic reports on current fishing and boating activities throughout PA. Boating tips, updates on local waters, upcoming Commission programs and much more. …
Pennsylvania Boating Safety Course and Exam - Official Boating
Official boating safety course for Pennsylvania with online boater exam, sponsored by Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.
Boaters listing of inland lakes and rivers for Pennsylvania.
Be sure to check out this weeks latest Pontoon Boat Videos
Used Pontoon Boats, By Rick Ostler
Pontoon Enclosures-North American Waterway
Also we value your comments, if you can add more info in regards to this article please do so. Thanks…………Rick
Tags: boat safety, docking your boat, Pennsylvania boating, pontoon boats, used pontoon boats