We just wrapped up National Water Safety Month in May, but water safety is essential all year long. Within the Kittatinny Ridge, the recreational use of the numerous streams and lakes is ramping up with the increase in temperatures. Fishing, boating, and tubing (floating) are all popular pastimes for relaxing, having fun and beating the summer heat. No one wants a fun, relaxing day to end with an accident, so here are some guidelines to help ensure your outing is safe and enjoyable.
Plan your outing
Safe recreation begins before you leave the house and a good plan is the way to start. Go online to find out information about the area where you plan to spend your day. If you are going to a Pennsylvania State Park, go to State Parks to check on what types of water recreation are allowed and any restrictions that may exist. If you are heading to a creek or river, water trail managing organizations have a wealth of information to assist you in planning your outing on one of Pennsylvania’s 28 designated Water Trails. Go to Pennsylvania Water Trails to find the manager of the water trail you plan to use.
Make sure you have all permits required for your outing. Unpowered boats, including kayaks, canoes, rowboats and paddleboards, require a boat registration or launch permit to operate within a state park or use an access owned or operated by PA Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). Fishing licenses are required for all those 16 and older. Find out more at Buy A Fishing License. Before boating for the first time, take an online or better yet, an in person class which are offered by various non-profit organizations and at some state parks. Classes will teach you the basics of operating a paddlecraft, reading the water and recovery techniques in the event you capsize. It is important to practice these techniques so you do not panic if your boat capsizes.
Next, plan where you will enter and exit the water. Use only public access points or ask for landowner permission and do not trespass. Be aware of known hazards like dams, locks and rapids and plan accordingly based on your ability. When determining the length of your trip, remember that floating in a tube is far slower than padding a boat and is contingent on the flow of the stream. Don’t get caught in the dark because a slow moving stream caused your float to last longer than expected.
Check the weather forecast and water conditions (find your river level (stage) forecast here: Middle Atlantic RFC). Recent rain can lead to fluctuations in river levels that occur quickly. Low levels can lead to a lot of walking instead of floating. It can be helpful to ask others what the prime water levels are for your planned trip, but remember there is no one “safe” water level.
Everyone has a different skill level and each water body is different.
Share your plan
Let someone outside your group know your plan. If you are floating or boating on a stream, tell them where and when you are beginning and ending, the number of people in your group, your emergency contacts and what to do if you don’t check in on time.
Even if you plan to enter and leave the water at the same location, such as at a lake or when swimming or fishing, telling someone your plan can help ensure your safety.
Pack your gear
Be prepared for the weather and pack your clothing accordingly. Pack dry clothes, even if you don’t plan to get wet. PFBC requires boaters to have an appropriately sized US Coast Guard approved life jacket and a sound making device such as a whistle. Tubers should have the same. Bring a dry bag for electronics, keys and clothing, repair kits for inflatables and a first aid kit. Additional gear such as a rain jacket, extra paddle, throw bag, bilge pump, flashlight (required after dark), sunglasses and hat may be appropriate. Bring plenty of water and food for the length of your trip. Make sure you have a fully charged cell phone or radio to call for help in case of an emergency.
Dress appropriately
Wear clothing appropriate for the weather. In cold weather, avoid wearing cotton and instead wear wool or synthetic fabrics that dry quickly and don’t trap the cold near your body. Wear sunscreen or other sun protection as appropriate. Wear shoes that stay on your feet, give you traction and protect your feet from rocks and other objects in the water.
Before entering the water
Do a visual check of the water conditions. Water that is muddy and full of debris is dangerous for recreation. Even if you don’t intend to be in the water, capsizing can happen fast. If you or others in your group (like children!) would not feel safe swimming in the water, then you should not tube or boat in it. Once you establish that you are confident with the water conditions, put on and fasten your life jacket and attach your whistle to it. While PFBC requires boaters ages 12 and under to wear a life jacket, it is important to remember that if you capsize and are separated from your boat, a stowed life jacket is worthless. Wear it every time! Everyone is required to wear a life jacket when boating between November 1 and April 30. Stowing or attaching your gear to your boat or tube will keep it from sinking or washing away in the event you capsize.
On the water
Don’t go solo. Accidents can happen fast, and the buddy system makes reacting to and recovering from an incident much safer and easier. Make sure you are boating in an area where it is allowed and follow all navigation markers. Keep an eye out for motorized watercraft if they are present and make sure you can be seen. Staying near the shoreline will help to keep you away from any motorized watercraft that may be present.
Look where you are going. It sounds obvious, but it is easy to get caught up with getting the perfect shot of a bald eagle or talking to your friend. Strainers, obstructions such as branches or logs sticking out of the water, and sweepers, those obstacles hanging above the water, can easily cause your boat to get stuck against it or cause you to capsize. If you see an obstacle ahead and are unsure of how to navigate it, get to the river bank, exit your boat and scout the area. If you are not comfortable with navigating the obstacle by boat, portage around it. If the obstacle is a low-head or run of the river dam, you must portage around it. Going over a dam can result in you being pulled against the dam by recirculating water which can lead to drowning. Do not walk out on a dam to fish or for any other reason.
If you capsize in fast moving water in a river, lift your feet and point them downstream. Angle your feet toward the shoreline until you reach shore and can safely exit the water. Planting your feet can cause them to get entangled and trap you under the water even while wearing a life jacket. Blowing your whistle when in the water will alert others so they can help you or at least avoid hitting you.
Keep an eye on the sky for incoming inclement weather. Check the weather forecast on your phone during your outing and consider cutting the trip short if dangerous weather is approaching. If you see lightning, get off of the water as quickly and safely as possible.
Stay hydrated and reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Spending a day out in the sun will dehydrate you quickly, so drink plenty of water. Drinking alcohol will cause you to become dehydrated faster and can impair judgement, reaction time and the ability to assist others.
Operating any boat while under the influence is illegal in Pennsylvania.
After your float
After you are done for the day, let the person you shared your plan with know that you are off the water safely. Dispose of any trash you created during your trip appropriately. To prevent the spread of invasive species, drain any water and clean any debris from your equipment (including footwear) and let it dry for at least five days before using it in a different body of water.
We hope to see you out safely enjoying the waterways and lakes of the Kittatinny Ridge this summer. If you are looking for a family friendly stream to explore check out the Swatara Creek, which flows through Schuylkill, Lebanon and Dauphin Counties. Swatara Watershed Association is the Swatara Creek Water Trail manager and you can find out more information to plan your trip at www.swatarawatershed.org.
This article is for information purposes only and is not legal advice. It is not inclusive of all hazards that may be experienced when recreating on the water.