HARRISBURG, PA (May 18) – With the busy summer boating season about to begin, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is joining with the National Safe Boating Council and other boating safety advocates across the country to celebrate National Safe Boating Week from May 21-27, 2022.
This year, along with reminding boaters to follow a checklist of basic safety guidelines, including wearing a life jacket, the PFBC will host safe boating expos on some popular waterways and present virtual expo content on its website and social media channels.
“With beautiful lakes, rivers, and streams in every corner of the state, Pennsylvania offers endless boating opportunities that really kick into high gear as the summer season approaches,” said Laurel Anders, Director of the PFBC Bureau of Boating. “Whether you enjoy paddling, waterskiing, fishing in your favorite spot, or just relaxing on a pontoon boat, National Safe Boating Week is a reminder that each adventure out on the water should begin by following a few basic steps to ensure a fun time while staying safe.”
To enjoy boating safely this season, boaters are reminded of the following:
- Always wear a life jacket
- Never boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Have a float plan to let someone know when and where you will be boating
- Check the weather forecast for storms and high water conditions
- Take a basic boating safety course
- Have proper registrations and launch permits
Safe Boating Expos
To begin National Safe Boating Week 2022, the PFBC in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (CGAUX), Army Corps of Engineers, and local community organizations, will host Safe Boating Expos at several popular waterways across the Commonwealth. Expos will feature the following opportunities:
- Review boating regulations with a PFBC Waterways Conservation Officer
- Learn how to properly select and fit your lifejacket
- Review aids to navigation
- Conduct a safety check of your boat before heading out on the water
- Review paddling safety requirements
- Visit demonstration booths and meet with boating safety specialists
Safe Boating Expos are scheduled for the following dates and locations:
- Berks County: Blue Marsh Lake. Saturday, May 21; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Dry Brooks Boat Launch, 1336 Palisades Drive, Leesport, PA 19533.
- Erie County: Walnut Creek Marina. Sunday, May 22; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; 241 Manchester Road, Fairview, PA 16415
- Huntingdon County: Raystown Lake. Saturday, May 21; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Seven Points Public Boat Launch, 6145 Seven Points Road, Hesston, PA 16647.
- Pike/Wayne counties: Lake Wallenpaupack: Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22. CGAUX will conduct complimentary boat safety checks throughout the weekend at various locations.
Virtual Expo Content
In addition to presenting expos along waterways, the PFBC will feature virtual expo content on its website and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube) throughout National Safe Boating Week. Follow the PFBC for how-to videos, boating safety testimonials, podcasts, and public service announcements. Visit the National Safe Boating Week page of the PFBC website (Fishandboat.com) for virtual expos content and a full schedule of activities.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Mike Parker
Communications Director
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
(717) 585-3076
michparker@pa.gov
