A Smart Start for Safe Paddling on Pennsylvania's Water Trails

SPECIAL: PULL-OUT POSTER >>>>>>>

A SmartStart for Safe Paddling on Pennsylvania’s Water Trails Long before airports, highways or even trains, water trails. As you paddle or row, always remember to Pennsylvania’s streams, rivers and lakes provided a “Wear It!” Your life jacket is the most important piece of means of transportation for native inhabitants. gear you have while paddling. In addition, knowledge is Today, you can travel these same routes, enjoying critical for boating safely. The statewide network of water the state’s natural resources while getting glimpses of trails shown below provide the recreational opportunity rich history and tradition on an official Pennsylvania for enjoyment and discovery, and this special “pull-out water trail. Water trails are recreational waterways on a poster” provides much of the core knowledge to help lake, river or ocean between specific points, containing you have a safe day on the water. Keep it handy, as a access points and day-use and camping sites for the reference on what to know before you go! To view more boating public. Water trails emphasize low-impact use detailed water trail maps, visit the Fish & and promote resource stewardship. The Pennsylvania Boat Commission’s website at Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) and its water trail www.fishandboat.com. partners invite you to explore these unique Pennsylvania

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Use your smartphone 1. Middle Allegheny River Water Trail 12. Swatara Creek Water Trail (with a QR code app) and 2. Three Rivers Water Trail 13. Conestoga River Water Trail this QR code to access the 14. North Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail 3. Youghiogheny River Water Trail PFBC Water Trails web page. 4. Upper Monongahela Water Trail 15. Lehigh River Water Trail (http://fishandboat.com/watertrails/trailindex.htm) 5. Clarion River Water Trail 16. Schuylkill River Water Trail 6. Kiski-Conemaugh River Water Trail 17a. Delaware River Water Trail 7. West Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail 17. Tidal Delaware River Water Trail 8. Middle Susquehanna River Water Trail 18. Pine Creek Water Trail 9. Lower Susquehanna River Water Trail 19. Juniata River Water Trail 10. Raystown Branch Juniata River Water Trail 20. Yellow Breeches Creek Water Trail 11. Conodoguinet Creek Water Trail 21. Conewango Creek Water Trail

www.fishandboat.com Pennsylvania Angler & Boater • May/June 2011 31 Let others know about Be safe and keep your your float trip by leaving a life jacket snug. FLOAT Know the float plan. A for waters you plan PLAN Safe Paddling Zip to float. SmartStart up! Officers can provide regulatory information, reports on current water Buckle Changes in Remember HAT weather conditions, and other useful can be a KILLER! 1 up! MAPS can affect information. It is your these safe Loss of body heat, & SWEATER your trip. GUIDES WEATHER responsibility to know the the possibility of REPORT paddling tips, AND regulations. hypothermia, WET and you’ll have and at the very SUIT 3 a smart start to least, the end SHARE THE WATER: of your float 2 great paddling! trip can be a result. Keep at least three DRY points of contact and Give others the BAG room they need HAT stay low for balance. to enjoy the WITH BRIM WATERPROOF waters. SUNGLASSES HELMET CONTAINER Be a steadying influence on POCKET your partner! LIFE JACKET Use the H.E.L.P.or HUDDLE positions KNIFE along with wearing a life jacket to conserve body heat and improve your chances of Keep the scene clean and pick-up litter. survival in cold water. 3 1 2 WHITEWATER STAY ALERT and TYPE 1: be ready to move Intended for out of danger. Leaning offshore use. shoulders Because of their Be prepared LIFE JACKET outside the Although you may bulk, they are not HORN recommended for for your type edge of the intend to be IN your paddlers. of paddling by WHISTLE boat can lead canoe or kayak... to a capsize. TYPE 2: being dressed Keep your Near-shore It’s and weight low and buoyancy vests. important balanced over They are not outfitted recommended to be aware of the centerline STAY VISIBLE, TOURING properly. for paddlers. your surroundings, WHISTLE of the boat. Expect the especially if you because others may not see you. FLASHLIGHT unexpected TYPE 3: encounter and know Flotation Aid. powerboats. They are DRY BAG Paddling hazards include what to recommended rocks, strainers, low-head do if for paddlers. RESCUE dams, heavy current, you find While paddling THROW lightning and other yourself TYPE 4: can be easy, it’s BAG bad weather. IN the Throwable devices. no excuse to Stay away from strainers! Strainers can water. These are not be anything required on canoes or paddle under the kayaks and are influence. Paddling a WATER BOTTLE that blocks not to be used as kayak or canoe requires passage but substitutes for a responsible, safe and lets the If you fall out in current, life jackets. aware operator. Don’t blur water filter keep your feet on the that operation with through. surface and swim to shore. TYPE 5: alcohol and These are special drugs. In most cases, getting wet use life jackets. A group PROPER or swamping your boat is They may be SHOES no reason to end your trip. appropriate and of paddlers recommended for is safer, Just dump the water certain uses by but this SUNSCREEN out, re-enter and paddlers. should not you’re on Low-head Read the life jacket’s label. The right fit become a If waves do kick up, your way. provides the right flotation. ReRemember, it drinking party! dams are doesn’t work if you don’t wear it! take them at an tough to see Stay away from low-head dams! angle to stay dry. from upstream and very difficult to escape. Both strainers and low-head dams are regarded as “drowning machines.” These hazards are dangerous—avoid them, portage around them, and ALWAYS SCOUT AHEAD! illustration: Ted Walke

W ITHIN REACH

32 Pennsylvania Angler & Boater • May/June 2011 www.fishandboat.com Use a smartphone and the www.FishandBndBoat.com QR code at right to visit the Fish & Boat Commission’s website. Let others know about Be safe and keep your your float trip by leaving a life jacket snug. FLOAT Know the float plan. A for waters you plan PLAN Safe Paddling Zip to float. SmartStart up! Officers can provide regulatory information, reports on current water Buckle Changes in Remember HAT weather conditions, and other useful can be a KILLER! 1 up! MAPS can affect information. It is your these safe Loss of body heat, & SWEATER your trip. GUIDES WEATHER responsibility to know the the possibility of REPORT paddling tips, AND regulations. hypothermia, WET and you’ll have and at the very SUIT 3 a smart start to least, the end SHARE THE WATER: of your float 2 great paddling! trip can be a result. Keep at least three DRY points of contact and Give others the BAG room they need HAT stay low for balance. to enjoy the WITH BRIM WATERPROOF waters. SUNGLASSES HELMET CONTAINER Be a steadying influence on POCKET your partner! LIFE JACKET Use the H.E.L.P.or HUDDLE positions KNIFE along with wearing a life jacket to conserve body heat and improve your chances of Keep the scene clean and pick-up litter. survival in cold water. 3 1 2 WHITEWATER STAY ALERT and TYPE 1: be ready to move Intended for out of danger. Leaning offshore use. shoulders Because of their Be prepared LIFE JACKET outside the Although you may bulk, they are not HORN recommended for for your type edge of the intend to be IN your paddlers. of paddling by WHISTLE boat can lead canoe or kayak... to a capsize. TYPE 2: being dressed Keep your Near-shore It’s and weight low and buoyancy vests. important balanced over They are not outfitted recommended to be aware of the centerline STAY VISIBLE, TOURING properly. for paddlers. your surroundings, WHISTLE of the boat. Expect the especially if you because others may not see you. FLASHLIGHT unexpected TYPE 3: encounter and know Flotation Aid. powerboats. They are DRY BAG Paddling hazards include what to recommended rocks, strainers, low-head do if for paddlers. RESCUE dams, heavy current, you find While paddling THROW lightning and other yourself TYPE 4: can be easy, it’s BAG bad weather. IN the Throwable devices. no excuse to Stay away from strainers! Strainers can water. These are not be anything required on canoes or paddle under the kayaks and are influence. Paddling a WATER BOTTLE that blocks not to be used as kayak or canoe requires passage but substitutes for a responsible, safe and lets the If you fall out in current, life jackets. aware operator. Don’t blur water filter keep your feet on the that operation with through. surface and swim to shore. TYPE 5: alcohol and These are special drugs. In most cases, getting wet use life jackets. A group PROPER or swamping your boat is They may be SHOES no reason to end your trip. appropriate and of paddlers recommended for is safer, Just dump the water certain uses by but this SUNSCREEN out, re-enter and paddlers. should not you’re on Low-head Read the life jacket’s label. The right fit become a If waves do kick up, your way. provides the right flotation. ReRemember, it drinking party! dams are doesn’t work if you don’t wear it! take them at an tough to see Stay away from low-head dams! angle to stay dry. from upstream and very difficult to escape. Both strainers and low-head dams are regarded as “drowning machines.” These hazards are dangerous—avoid them, portage around them, and ALWAYS SCOUT AHEAD! illustration: Ted Walke

W ITHIN REACH

www.fishandboat.com Pennsylvania Angler & Boater • May/June 2011Use a smartphone and the 33 www.FishandBndBoat.com QR code at right to visit the Fish & Boat Commission’s website. <<<<<<< SPECIAL: PULL-OUT POSTER Paddling safety tips 4 PADDLING SAFETY CHECKLIST: • Wear your life jacket. Some 80 percent of all recreational boating Always wear a life jacket. fatalities happen to people who are not wearing a life jacket. Know fishing and boating regulations. • Expect to get wet. Even the best paddlers sometimes capsize or swamp their boats. Bring extra clothing in a waterproof bag. Be prepared for stream hazards. • Be prepared to swim. If the water looks too hazardous to swim in, Obtain proper instruction in boating skills. don’t go paddling. Carry proper equipment. • If you capsize, hold on to your boat, unless it presents a life- Leave behind a float plan. threatening situation. If floating in current, position yourself on the upstream side of the capsized boat. Pennsylvania boating regulations • Be courteous to other boaters and anglers on the stream. • Scout ahead whenever possible. Know the stream. Avoid surprises. • One wearable, Coast Guard-approved life jacket (personal • Be prepared for the weather. Get a forecast before you go. flotation device or PFD) in servicable condition and of Sudden winds and rain are common and can turn a pleasant trip the appropriate size is required for each person in your into a risky venture. boat. If your boat is 16 feet or longer, one throwable device (seat cushion or ring buoy) is required. Canoes • Wear wading shoes or tennis shoes with wool, and kayaks, regardless of length, are not required to carry a throw- polypropylene, pile or neoprene socks. able device. • Never take your boat near, or go over, a low-head • Life jackets must be worn by all children 12 years old and younger dam. Dams are drowning machines and are dangerous on all boats 20 feet or less in length while under way, and on all to approach from upstream and downstream. canoes and kayaks. Others are strongly encouraged to wear a life • Portage (carry) your boat around any section of water about jacket at all times on the water. which you feel uncertain. • All boats must display an anchor light (a white light visible at 360 • Never boat alone. Boating safety increases with numbers. degrees) when at anchor between sunset and sunrise. • Keep painter lines (ropes tied to the bow) and any other ropes Boats can use a lantern or clip-on battery-powered unit coiled and secured. to meet this requirement. • Never tie a rope to yourself or to another paddler, especially a • All powered boats must show running lights between child. sunset and sunrise. Between sunset and sunrise, • Kneel to increase your stability before entering rougher water, unpowered boats must carry a white light (visible like a rapid. at 360 degrees), installed or portable, ready to be • If you collide with an obstruction, lean toward it. This will displayed in time to avoid a collision. usually prevent your capsizing or flooding the boat. • All motorboats are required to carry a sound-producing mechanical • File a float plan with a reliable person, indicating where you are device audible for a half-mile. Athletic whistles meet this going and when you will return. Remember to contact the person requirement. when you have returned safely. • All motorboats must be registered, regardless of where they launch. • Unpowered boats (canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rafts) using Hazards on the water Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission access areas must either be registered OR display a valid launch permit. Launch permits can be Dams: Water going over a dam creates a back current, or undertow, purchased on the web at www.fishandboat.com. that can pull a boat into the turbulence and capsize it. This hydrau- lic can often trap and hold a person or a boat. Hazards include the • Operating watercraft, including canoes, kayaks and rafts, under the areas above and below the dam. Paddlers can spot dams by looking influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. The law is strongly enforced downstream for a horizontal line across the water. for user safety. For further information on boating regulations, Current: Never underestimate the power of moving water. Boaters contact the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission at who are not sure that their boat or their ability is up to the prevail- www.fishandboat.com. ing conditions should stay off the water. Strainers: Trees are typical strainers that can trap and flood boats. LAUNCH PERMITS Water flows through these obstructions, but solid objects do not. Owners of unpowered boats (canoes, kayaks, rowboats, Strainers can pin victims underwater. etc.) can launch their boats at PFBC lakes and access areas Cold water: Sudden immersion in cold water can lead to cardiac or at Pennsylvania state parks if their boats display a PFBC launch use arrest or can cause a person to inhale water. If you fall into cold permit, OR boat registration, OR Pennsylvania State Parks launch permit water, immediately cover your mouth and nose with your hands. or mooring permit. Pennsylvania State Parks recognizes PFBC boat Dress properly for the cold by wearing a hat, several layers of cloth- registrations and launch permits. The Commission does NOT recognize ing and warm boots. Wool, pile and polypropylene provide warmth launch permits from other states. A PFBC launch permit can be purchased even when wet. Avoid cotton fabrics. online at the Commission’s website. An unpowered boat may have a Hypothermia: Hypothermia is the lowering of the body’s core tem- registration OR launch permit but is not required to have both. perature. It begins with shivering. Judgment then becomes clouded and unconsciousness sets in. Death can occur if hypothermia is not treated. Remove a hypothermic person from the water and replace wet clothes with warm, dry clothing and a blanket. Do not massage For more details on boating regulations, the extremities or give the victim alcohol or caffeine. use your smartphone and this QR code to Heat exhaustion and sunburn: When it is hot, wear sunglasses, access the Pennsylvania Boating Handbook. a hat and lightweight, light-colored clothing. Apply sunblock with a (http://fishandboat.com/bookboat.htm) high SPF rating and drink lots of fluids.

34 Pennsylvania Angler & Boater • May/June 2011 www.FishandBoat.com www.fishandboat.com