SWIMMING AND DIVING

Swimming is prohibited at Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission lakes and access areas. Boaters should keep a sharp lookout for swimmers and divers at all times.

A diver down flag is displayed from a float during diving operations. This flag is red with a white diagonal stripe running from the top of the staff to the opposite lower corner.

The code flag alpha is a blue and white pennant and boats must display this flag during dive operations if they are restricted in their ability to maneuver. Boats not engaged in diving operations shall remain at least 100 feet from areas displaying the diver down flag, or boats displaying the code flag alpha.

Paddling sports are very popular recreational water sports in Pennsylvania. There are dangers that can be lessened with knowledge, preparation and practice. Primary hazards are capsizing, swamping or just falling out of the boat. Keep in mind that paddling is a “get wet” sport. Refer to Chapter 6 for more information on water hazards.

• Wear your life jacket. Some 80 percent of all recreational boating fatalities happen to people who are not wearing a life jacket.
• Expect to get wet and dress properly. Even the best paddlers sometimes capsize or swamp their boats.
• Be prepared to swim. If the water looks too hazardous to swim in, don't go paddling.
• If you capsize, hold on to your boat, unless it presents a life-threatening situation.
• Scout ahead whenever possible. Know the river. Avoid surprises.
• Be prepared for the weather. Get a forecast before you go.
• Wear wading shoes or tennis shoes with wool, polypropylene, pile or neoprene socks.
• Never take your boat over a low-head dam.
• Portage (carry) your boat around any section of water about which you feel uncertain.
• Never boat alone. Boating safety increases with numbers.
• Keep painter lines (ropes tied to the bow) and any other ropes coiled and secured.
• Never tie a rope to yourself or to another paddler, especially a child.
• Kneel to increase your stability before entering rougher water, like a rapid.
• If you collide with an obstruction, lean toward it.
• File a float plan with a reliable person, indicating where you are going and when you will return. Remember to contact the person when you have returned safely.

Sailing is another popular form of boating in Pennsylvania. Sailboaters may have different requirements than other boaters. They should be familiar with the operation and navigation requirements found in Chapter 4. Navigation lights may be required.

Sailboaters should stay off the water during storms and periods of extremely high winds. They should also be aware of overhead power lines. Life jackets should be worn at all times.

Another type of sailing vessel, the sailboard (windsurfer) is a single or double-hulled boat with jointed mast (surfboard with a sail). Sailboarder operators in Pennsylvania must wear a life jacket. Inflatable life jackets are not acceptable.

Hunters and anglers that use a boat as a platform to hunt or fish must remember that they are boaters too. Often these types of boaters get so involved with their sport they forget to follow all boating regulations, such as proper boat equipment, boating laws, and the rules of the road. When fishing from a boat, remember to load your boat properly, remain seated, wear a life jacket, and keep an eye on the weather. Never anchor from the stern (back), and stay with your boat if it should capsize.

Hunting from a boat is fun but can be dangerous. Fall weather is changeable and can be deadly for the boating hunter. The hunter usually hunts from a small boat with a flat bottom. These boats are poorly suited for rough water. Life jackets (vests, inflatables and float coats) can be purchased in hunting colors. Wear them when hunting from your boat.