Latest news with #PennsylvaniaFishandBoatCommission
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Man swept away in Lycoming County creek, search, rescue mission launched
MONTOURSVILLE, LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Crews are searching for a man in Lycoming County after he reportedly was swept away in Loyalsock Creek. Montoursville Fire Chief Jeff Hutchins told 28/22 News at about 10:00 a.m. Saturday, a man and a child in a kayak, along with another man in a separate kayak, tried to enter Loyalsock Creek. Both kayaks immediately struggled to enter the waters due to the heavy currents going downriver, Chief Hutchins explained. The man and child were able to make it to safety, but the lone kayaker went under and never resurfaced, according to Chief Hutchins. Man in custody after fight at baseball tournament Chief Hutchins told 28/22 News that after the other kayakers drew attention to alert authorities, crews were called just after 11:00 a.m. for a water rescue. Several water rescue crews were patrolling the creek, which is often visited by anglers and kayakers, Chief Hutchins added. Chief Hutchins says authorities also deployed drones and helicopters for help in the air while ground crews used chainsaws to clear the bank of debris, such as logs, downed trees, and thick brush. As of Saturday afternoon, authorities say that it's a search and rescue mission. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is heading the investigation for the missing kayaker. This is a developing story, and 28/22 News will provide updates as new information is made available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Authorities warn of the dangers of swimming in rivers
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — As temperatures rise, so does the temptation to cool off in local rivers, but officials warn, it's not worth the risk. Rescue crews responded to a call earlier Tuesday for a man in distress on the Lackawanna River. He was successfully removed, but fire officials say this should be a wake-up call for anyone thinking about swimming in rivers this summer. Scranton fire officials say the Lackawanna River may look calm, but it's anything but predictable. 'Any body of water is always going to be dangerous. The water is fairly cold right now, so being in there for a little bit of time, you know, their muscles can atrophy, they could drown very easily, even though it's not up that high,' Scranton Fire Department Chief John Judge said. It's not just risky for swimmers. River rescues also put first responders in danger. 'We don't have a lot of access points for the Lackawanna River. I mean, it's not designed in that manner. It's just so unpredictable depending on how quickly it's moving, you know, the turbulence that goes with it, there's, you know, fallen trees that are in there that could be an entanglement hazard,' Chief Judge explained. Anti-gang efforts in NEPA target youth The Scranton Fire Department is heavily invested in water rescue training, with certified instructors teaching life-saving techniques year-round. 'We have our own instructors here that are certified by Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission that go away for training. When the initial 911 call comes in, he might be, you know, blocks away by the time we get there. So our responders know that, and they know how the water is moving, so they'll start pre-positioning resources downstream,' Chief Judge continued. Chief Judge urges people to wear a personal flotation device, avoid trespassing in restricted areas like the Nay Aug Gorge, and never swim alone. 'It's always making sure that you know people know where, somebody knows where you're at, you're not doing it alone, and you have a Coast Guard-approved PFD, a personal flotation device with you. We're in that summer season now between Labor Day or Memorial Day and Labor Day. So we'll be on our, on our guard for what's going on up there,' Chief Judge told 28/22 News. The fire chief says the best way to stay safe is to stay out unless you're experienced, equipped, and following all safety rules. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Fish for Free Day: Anyone can fish in Pennsylvania for free, here's when
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Anglers will have two chances this summer to fish for free in Pennsylvania and here's what you need to know. On Sunday, May 25, and Friday, July 4, anyone may fish on Pennsylvania waterways. You can be a resident or a non-resident, and you don't even have to have a license. Fishers can also skip the step of getting a permit for trout, salmon and Lake Erie. Whilst licenses may not be needed, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is still reminding anyone who is participating in the Fish for Free Day that all other fishing regulations will apply. Leave young wildlife alone! Pennsylvanians warned of dangers, fines Learn more about the fishing regulations here. Here are some : Use sunscreen or sun gear Handle the hook carefully during baiting and removing your catch Look around before you cast – make sure no one is near you Find shelter if it starts to storm and go towards higher ground if water levels rise Don't cross through swift water Watch out for wildlife Follow park regulations: Use fish cleaning stations and dispose of remains properly Always remember that children 12 and under must be wearing a life jacket if they are on a boat, paddleboard, kayak or canoe that's under 20 feet. Learn more about life jacket safety here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Boating restrictions placed on Conneaut Lake have been lifted
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission announced on Monday that the temporary boating restrictions on Conneaut Lake have been lifted. Those restrictions were put in place last week on Thursday. May 8. Families enjoyed Mother's Day on the lake thanks to Victorian Princess riverboat cruises At the time, boaters were asked to slow down to no-wake speeds due to high water levels. But after a few days, water levels have returned to normal, and boaters may now resume operating under standard regulations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania monitoring rattlesnake 'baby boom'
(WHTM) — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is keeping a close eye on a 'baby boom' while taking every safety precaution. Wildlife officers and trainees conducted a timber rattlesnake survey in Clearfield County. Timber rattlesnakes are native and are also venomous. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Many of the females are pregnant and emerging from their underground dens. 'Females have to have 8 to 10 hours of solar radiation a day to bake their babies, basically bring metabolism up to gestate the young,' Chris Urban with the PFBC said. 'They're just out here trying to survive in their natural habitat and if you're out hiking and come across one, they're not out to hurt you,' Jenna Alleman, trainee, said. 'They just want to protect themselves, so if you leave them alone, they're going to leave you alone. Download the abc27 News+ app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV devices There are as many as 2,000 rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania. Once captured, they're checked for previous microchip tags or implanted with a new tag to help study their future growth. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
