Cold Water Life Jacket Wear Requirement

November 1 through April 30

Mission: To protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities

National Boating Deaths

National Statistics

National Statistics

PA – 3.7 fatalities per 100,000 registered boats

Pennsylvania Boating Deaths10 years

746 accidents; 125 total fatalitiesPFDs not worn in 80% of fatalitiesNov 1-Apr 30 incidents

8% of total accidents 29% of total fatalities 82% in unpowered boats & motorboats <16 ft. High-risk segment

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Fatalities vs. Accidents by Month2002 - 2011

% of accidents resulting in Fatalities # of Accidents

# of

Acc

iden

ts

% F

atal

ities

Pennsylvania Statistics

Cold water shockWater temp < 70o F

Involuntary gasp (aspiration of water)HyperventilationBreathlessnessReduced ability to control breathing & swimmingProbable factor in 5 of 7 fatalities in 2010

Life Jacket AdvantagesBuoyancyHead above waterInsulationExtends rescue time

Connecticut Oct 1-May 31All unpowered boats

Maine Jan 1-Jun 1All canoes/kayaksSaco River only

Maryland Nov 15-May 15Upper Potomac River only

Massachusetts Sept 15-May 15All canoes/kayaks

New York Nov 1-May 1All boats < 21 ft.

West Virginia Nov 15-May 15Shenandoah River only

Pennsylvania Nov 1-Apr 30Motorboats < 16 ftAll canoes/kayaks

Title 58, Pennsylvania Code, Section 97.1* * *

(i) Beginning November 1 until midnight April 30 of the following year, a person shall wear a Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III or V PFD while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak.

Effective November 1, 2012

Life Jacket Options for Hunters*

*Consider pros, cons and specific restrictions before use.

*Consider pros, cons and specific restrictions before use.

Life Jacket Options for Hunters*

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