Latest news with #MarkSweppenhiser
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
State officials emphasize National Safe Boating Week ahead of Memorial Day
This week is National Safe Boating Week, and ahead of Memorial Day weekend and the summer boating season, state officials are advocating for people to take some things into consideration. Before you go out, follow a basic safe boating checklist before and during your excursion. Presque Isle Partnership combines poker and paddleboarding For starters, always wear a life jacket that fits properly. Never boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and check the weather forecast before and during your trip. Grandview students learn about the buzz around bees for World Bee Day 'Have a float plan. Send a text, write a note, and let someone know where you're planning to boat and when you expect to return. Plans change when you're out having fun, but keeping someone aware of your location throughout the day can ensure help arrives quickly if you experience a mechanical problem or medical emergency while on the water,' said Mark Sweppenhiser, PFBC's director of boating. According to the fish and boat commission's deputy executive director, nationwide each year, 80% of people who die in boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
PFBC: Cold-weather life jacket requirement still in effect
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is reminding all anglers and boaters that the annual cold-weather life jacket requirement is still in effect. As the weather begins to warm, the PFBC understands that it can be easy to forget the requirement, however, it will be in effect through April 30. From Nov. 1 through April 30, boaters are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or on any kayak, canoe or paddleboard. 'This time of year, despite the balmy springtime temperatures, it can be a tragic time for boaters who don't wear their life jackets,' Mark Sweppenhiser, Director of the PFBC's Bureau of Boating, said. 'On sunny days when warm air temperatures draw us outdoors for our favorite activities like fishing and boating, please remember water temperatures are still bitterly cold and present tremendous danger to someone who falls into the water.' Sudden cold-water immersion occurs when a person is unexpectedly plunged into cold water. The PFBC noted that cold-water shock can result in water inhalation, leading to panic, hyperventilation or the inability to swim. While nearly 80% of all boating fatalities occurred because boaters were not wearing life jackets, since the mandatory life jacket wear law was enacted in 2012, the PFBC has seen a 50% drop in boating incidents resulting in fatalities during the cold weather months. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
