Boating and Water Safety - Activities & Education Resources Portal

Kayak Fishing Word Search
Have fun navigating through this word search to find new waterways to explore and new fish to catch while you are out kayak fishing!

Know Your Waterway
Fill in the blanks with your answers to this waterways quiz.

Paddling Techniques Secret Message
Fill in the blanks to discover the code to reveal a secret message!

Pocket First Aid Kit
Description of how to assemble a simple pocket sized first aid kit.

R3 Activities
Four activities to reinforce your knowledge of recruitment, retention, and reactivation.

The Gear Game
What to pack for a paddling trip. Fun word scramble of paddling terms.

Water Rescue
Can you find all the water rescue words? Crossword puzzle.

Wear It Pennsylvania Pledge Card
Take the Wear It Pennsylvania Pledge

Coloring Pages

PLAY Newsletters

You can find additional activities and crafts on the last page of every PLAY (Pennsylvania League of Angling Youth) newsletter!

Read Along with PFBC playlist

Listen and/or read along with PFBC staff as they share Pennsylvania League of Angling Youth newsletters in a video format.

“Fishing is Reel Fun” booklet
This 18-page activity booklet is full of fishing and boating information to help anglers and boaters of all ability levels enjoy safe, fun, and year-round outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania. Enjoy!

"My Adventures" write-your-own story booklet
With this 12-page activity booklet you can write-your-own adventure about a trip on or near a PA waterway (e.g. stream, river, pond, lake). You can also share something you learn, share how you would teach someone else about what you learned, and share a memory that you will keep with you as you grow. Begin your story today!

PLAY: A Day at the Lake
PLAY issue containing the following articles –
A Day at the Lake, It’s a Summertime Break; Getting Started Fishing Fun; Basic Boating Safety; Find Your Fit; Different Boats for Different Folks; What Fish Can you Expect to Catch (word scramble & matching game).

PLAY: Back to Basics – Boats
PLAY issue containing the following articles –
Back to basics: Boats; The Best Way to Stay Afloat; Boats Come in all Shapes and Sizes; Before you hit the water; Now you know the parts of a canoe and paddle (word search).

PLAY: Big Waterways Big Boating Fun
PLAY issue containing the following articles –
Big Waterways, Big Boating Fun; Float Plan; PA’s Big Lake; Three Rivers; Susquehanna River; Delaware River; Know Your Waterway.

PLAY: Water Safety
PLAY issue containing the following articles –
Dangers around the water; Prepare to Fall In; Hook safety & removal; Homemade Water Rescue; A Stringer of Safety Tips.

Videos

PLAYLISTS
The following two links are playlists that will take you through all of PFBC’s videos related to boating, paddling and water safety OR you can go through them individually by clicking links below.

Boating Opportunities: PA Fish and Boat Commission

This video introduces viewers to boating opportunities in PA. Check out the video caption to learn more.

Boaters- Life Jackets Save Lives

This video introduces viewers to the importance of life jackets.

Cold Water Boating Safety

An informational video about the Cold Weather #WearItPA law and other paddle safety tips during cold weather.

Don’t Drink and Boat

This video introduces viewers to the dangers of drinking and boating. Check out the video caption for additional details.

How to Change a Grease Tube Cartridge

Peace of mind on the road and water requires preventive maintenance for your boat and trailer. In this clip, Ryan Walt will show how to properly load a grease cartridge into a grease gun, so you are ready to lubricate trailer bearings and boat motor grease fittings.

How to Change a Propeller

In this clip, Ryan Walt will show the steps to remove a damaged boat propeller and install a new one.

How to Connect Safety Chains

If the boat trailer disconnects from the hitch, properly connected safety chains keep the trailer connected to the tow vehicle until it can be brought to a stop. Ryan Walt will show how to inspect all components of trailer safety chains for wear and damage and then how to properly connect to the tow vehicle.

How to Use a Water Rescue Throw Bag

Chris Calhoun, lead water rescue instructor trainer for the PFBC, along with his daughter Jessica, provide an overview and tips on the use of a water rescue throw bag. He reviews the different style types, features/anatomy, throwing techniques, setup location considerations, how to receive the bag as a victim and the risks and hazards that must be considered when using this tool.

Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement (I)

LIFE JACKET WEAR REQUIRED BY LAW: NOV. 1 TO APRIL 30
Boaters must wear a life jacket on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak.

Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement (II)

LIFE JACKET WEAR REQUIRED BY LAW: NOV. 1 TO APRIL 30
Boaters must wear a life jacket on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak.

Safe Boating Basics

This video introduces viewers to basic safe boating techniques. Check out the video description for more details.

Strainer River Hazards

This short video highlights the dangers of strainers for paddlers on the waterways. The information in the video is a must watch for every paddler, regardless of skill level.

The Rescue Sequence: An Approach to Water Rescue Tactics

The Rescue Sequence is an approach to water rescue tactics from simple to complex. The levels include self, shore, boat, direct contact and helicopter. The rescue sequence provides options to rescuers. Remember, keep it simple, train with all tactics, and have backup in place prior to engaging.

Useful Information on Outboard Motor Maintenance

Ryan Walt and Bud Kauffman from the PA Fish and Boat Commission provide an overview of routine outboard maintenance and how to trouble shoot common problems. Remember, ALWAYS FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDATIONS detailed in your owner’s manual.

Water Rescue Training Overview

This video introduces the PFBC’s Water Rescue Training program.

Water Safety Tips with Chris- Backyard Safety

Water emergencies can happen anywhere. For example, 43% of drownings occur in natural settings (ponds, lakes, rivers, ocean), over 18% occur in swimming pools and 9.2% occur from boating. Most drownings are preventable. For children under the age of 14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death. For every child that drowns, five others received emergency care for non-fatal submersion injuries. If we all do our part and learn water safety knowledge and skills, water related incidents and drownings can be reduced and prevented.

Water Safety Tips with Chris- Drowning Prevention

This clip will provide water safety tips to reduce and prevent drowning. At some point, you or someone on your boat will end up in the water. Your first line of defense for drowning prevention is to wear a properly sized life jacket and know how to swim. Take a boating and water safety skills class from an instructor, organization, or agency.

Water Safety Tips with Chris- Ice Safety

Is the ice safe? What are signs of weak or deteriorating ice conditions? What should you do if you fall through the ice? This video covers each topic and provides recommendations for being safe on the ice.

Additional Resources

13-Point Small-Boat Checklist
Checklist of items to inspect for a boat and equipment.

Boating Regulation Recap
Brochure provides a recap of current state laws and resent additions and changes to existing boating regulations.

Boating Under the Influence
BUI laws and consequences.

Danger Carbon Monoxide Brochure

Frequently Asked Questions: Boat Registration and Titling
Information for new boat owners. What to do after the purchase of a boat, including titling and registration.

Hazards on the Water
This page identifies hazards found on water such as low head dams, strainers, current, weather etc. Also includes information on how to avoid these hazards.

Is the Ice Safe?
PLAY brochure on ice safety, bass habitat, the food chain and artificial lures.

Personal Flotation Devices
Describes types of PFDs and their use. Also includes legal requirements.

Personal WaterCraft (PWC) in Pennsylvania
Describes PWCs and their use. Also includes regulations.

Safe Fueling Techniques
Checklist and information about safe fueling.

Summertime Do's and Dont's
Describes the correct procedures to follow around a busy boat launch ramp in summer.

Tool Box: Boats and Water Safety
How the PFBC uses boats, touchdown test for PFD fit.

Zip and Buckle Up
Tips on personal flotation devices (PFD) and who is legally required to wear one.