Pa. Fish and Boat Commission Promote Safe Boating During Event in Venango County

Photo: Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) recognized the final day of National Safe Boating Week during an event Friday in Venango County.

Officials and elected leaders gathered at Justus Lake within Two Mile Run County Park. The 144-acre lake is a popular boating destination for paddlers and boaters using electric motors.

They reminded the public to:

• Always wear a life jacket
• Never boat under the influence
• Have a float plan to let someone know where you’ll be boating
• Check the weather forecast before and during your trip
• Have proper registrations or launch permits

"Last year, we had nine boating fatalities in Pennsylvania," said Tim Schaeffer, executive director of PFBC. "I say all the time that there is nothing worse than seeing my phone light up at 6 o'clock on a Sunday afternoon on a summertime weekend and its one of our law enfocement officers. I know exactly what that message is going to be, and its heart wrenching."

Waterways Conservation Officers will be on patrol throughout the holiday weekend to conduct safety checks and look for signs of impairment.

Just like driving, a person operating a boat is over the legal limit in Pennsylvania if he or she has a blood alcohol concentration of point-zero-eight (0.08%) or higher.

Schaeffer was joined by Senator Scott Hutchinson, State Representative Lee James, Venango County Commissioners Sam Breene and Mike Dulaney, and Waterways Conservation Officer Mark Kerr.